Dr. Hirsh Discusses Gun Buyback Program as Public Health Issue

Dr. Michael Hirsh called into Talk of the Commonwealth to tell us about an upcoming gun buyback program but the issue behind the gun buyback is much larger. Hirsh said gun violence is a public health issue. Hirsh would like to see Doctors ask the question, “Do you have a gun in the home?” of patients they see. He said it should be done in context and that follow up questions can be asked, such as “Do you have a depressed teen at home?, Do you have someone with dementia or an inquisitive toddler in the home. In 22 years they have gotten over 4,500 weapons off the street. This year the Gun Buy Back is happening with 25 communities. Retrieval sites, operating between at least 10-2 p.m., will be in Charlton, Fitchburg, and Milford and Northborough at their Police Stations. Worcester will have two retrieval sites, at Police HQ from 9-2 and at the City Foundry on Ararat St.