Unintentional injuries caused by firearms are a public health crisis.

Over 30,000 deaths result from firearms every year in the United States, and firearms are the second leading method resulting in injury death behind motor vehicle crashes.

In an effort to reduce the number of unintentional firearm related injuries and deaths, the Indianapolis Police Department in conjunction with Clarian Health and RTV6 will host a gun buyback on Saturday, August 28 at the Julia Carson Government Center, 300 East Fall Creek Parkway from 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

The police department will be collecting any unwanted guns that people want to get rid of. All guns must be unloaded and secured in the trunk of the vehicle. Everyone who turns in a weapon will receive twenty dollars in cash. In addition, free trigger locks will be provided.

“Nationally, statistics show that a gun in the home is 43 times more likely to kill a friend or family member than to kill in self-defense; the risk of homicide is three times greater in homes with guns,” said Benjamin Hunter, a community liaison with IPD. “We’re hoping the gun buyback will give parents and others the opportunity to dispose of unwanted guns.”

In Marion County in 2002 there were 113 homicides and 112 in 2003. So far in 2004, there have been 63 homicides.

In a survey conducted by the Indiana Partnership to Prevent Firearm Violence, 49 percent of the homes in Indiana own firearms compared to about 40 percent of American households. Of the Hoosier homes with guns, 30 percent are handguns, eight percent higher than the national average.

“Unintentional injuries caused by firearms are a public health crisis,” said Scott Bjerke, MD, medical director of Trauma Services at Methodist Hospital. “In Marion County alone in 2002, over $5 million were spent on medical care related to firearm injuries. Most studies indicate that around 50 percent of these costs are covered by taxpayer dollars.”

“Aside from the numbers of people who are dying from guns, there are about three times as many people injured from guns,” said Robb Schrimshaw, executive director of the Indiana Partnership to Prevent Firearm Violence. “With these injuries and deaths come huge emotional and financial consequences for the families and the community.”

"Young children are curious and will play around the house,” said Hunter. “We're hoping the gun buyback will give parents and others the opportunity to dispose of unwanted guns.”