PCHPCA: Vital Medical Information Files available in new locations

The Putnam County Hospice and Palliative Care Association (PCHPCA) has announced the availability of free Vital Medical Information Files at added locations throughout the county.

The Vital Medical Information File is a bright red, magnetic envelope that is designed to hold all of a person’s medical information and forms. It is kept on the refrigerator so this information is easily accessible when going to the doctor or to EMTs in an emergency.

Based upon a person’s health condition, contents of the Vital Medical Information File may include, but are not limited to, medications, allergies, surgeries, pacemaker information, a copy of a recent EKG, copies of current medical insurance cards and signed copies of advance directives or medical orders.

First responders in Putnam County know to look on the refrigerator for these envelopes. A square red decal with a white cross placed on an outside door also notifies them and caregivers that one is present.

“We are making them available at no charge to local physicians and many other locations,” noted PCHPCA Executive Director Elaine Peck, adding that local volunteer fire departments can carry them on medical calls.

Vital Medical Information Files are now available at the following locations:

• Putnam County Sheriff’s Office;

• Greencastle City Hall;

• North Putnam Family Healthcare;

• Putnam Pediatrics and Internal Medicine;

• Family Medicine of Greencastle;

• Greencastle Internal Medicine;

• Family Medicine of Cloverdale;

• Putnam County Hospital Cardiology;

• Putnam County Hospital Cancer Center; and

• Greencastle Family Health.

Organizations interested in partnering with the PCHPCA to help provide Vital Medical Information Files may contact Peck at contact.us@pchpca.org or 765-301-7614.