FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 06/11/2022
Greencastle, Indiana.
The Putnam County Hospice and Palliative Care Association (PCHPCA) is delighted to announce that it was awarded financial support from the Putnam County Coronavirus Fiscal Recovery Funds provided by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to expand its free Vital Medical Information File program to Putnam County’s most vulnerable populations.  “We hope to hear soon when we will receive the grant so we can get started,” said Tammy Hunter, PCHPCA President.

When fully implemented, the Vital Medical Information File program will help ensure that citizens receive prompt and appropriate emergency and other medical care in accordance with their wishes.  It consists of a red magnetic envelope, which is kept on the outside of the home’s refrigerator and is readily accessible to EMTs when they arrive on an emergency call, or to family members or caregivers taking the person to the emergency room or doctor.  While it is useful for all adults in Putnam County to have a Vital Medical Information File, the Association is prioritizing those who are most at risk from the COVID-19 pandemic and other infectious diseases:  senior citizens and those living with serious illness. 

Based upon the person’s health condition, contents of the Vital Medical Information File might include but are not limited to medications, allergies, health conditions, recent surgeries, pacemaker information, a copy of a recent EKG, copies of current medical insurance cards, and signed copies of advance directives.  A square red decal with a white cross is placed on an outside door(s), to notify emergency responders and caregivers of the presence of the Vital Medical Information File on the refrigerator.

If you or your organization is interested in partnering with the Putnam County Hospice and Palliative Care Association to help distribute Vital Medical Information Files, please contact the Association at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 765.301.7614. 

The Putnam County Hospice and Palliative Care Association (PCHPCA) seeks to enhance the quality of life for the terminally ill, their loved ones, and caregivers, by educating the Putnam County community about the benefits of hospice, palliative care, and advance care planning.   PCHPCA is a nonprofit, public charity, and operates with the help of donations, financial support from the Putnam County Community Foundation, and fiscal sponsorship by the Putnam County Hospital. For more information email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  or visit www.pchpca.org.