FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 09/01/2023

Greencastle, Indiana.  Putnam County Hospice and Palliative Care Association (PCHPCA) is pleased to announce the availability of free Vital Medical Information Files in new locations throughout the county.  “We are making them available at no charge to local physicians and many other locations,” said Elaine Peck, PCHPCA Director. 

Peck said that free Vital Medical Information Files are now available at Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, Greencastle City Hall, North Putnam Family Healthcare, Putnam Pediatrics and Internal Medicine, Family Medicine of Greencastle, Internal Medicine of Greencastle, Family Medicine of Cloverdale, Putnam County Hospital Cardiology, Putnam County Hospital Cancer Center, Greencastle Family Health, and in the Medical Records Department at the Putnam County Hospital.  “Some of the local volunteer fire departments also carry them on runs,” Peck said.

The Vital Medical Information File is a bright red, magnetic envelope that is designed to hold all a person’s vital medical information and forms.  The envelope is kept on the refrigerator so this information is easily accessible to you or a caregiver when going to the doctor, or to EMT’s in an emergency.  Putnam County emergency responders know to look on the refrigerator for these bright red files. 

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 or medical orders.  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 have questions or wish to schedule a presentation or workshop for your group, please contact Director Elaine Peck 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 contact Elaine Peck, Director, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit www.pchpca.org.

Contact information:
M. Elaine Peck, Director
Putnam County Hospice and Palliative Care Association
1542 South Bloomington Street
Greencastle, IN 46135
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.