Vial of Life Program

The Putnam County Sheriff's Office, in partnership with Family Medical & Dental Centers is pleased to announce that the VIAL of Life Program is again available to our residents. This program is designed to provide emergency response personnel with pertinent medical information in case the person needing help is incapacitated in some way.

The program has had a presence in Putnam County in the past, but has been unavailable until recently. This is how the program works: The user fills out a form with important medical information, rolls it up and places it in a prescription vial. The vial has a sticker on it identifying the VIAL of Life program. The vial is then placed in the refrigerator for easy access. The refrigerator is the chosen location because nearly every household has one. A magnetic identifier is placed on the outside of the refrigerator as a reminder that the information is there. A decal is then placed on the front door or window of the residence so emergency responders will know the information is available.

Sheriff Dean Kelly said, "This is a life saving program, especially to our elder population who may have a medical condition that could require the response of emergency personnel". The program is endorsed by Emergency Medical Services Chief Mike Patterson who agrees that by having this information readily available, his medical personnel will be able to more effectively treat the patient.

Family Medical & Dental Centers, Executive Director Dewayne Yates said the reason Family Medical & Dental Centers became involved with the program is we saw the opportunity to educate our patients regarding medication safety, reduce medication errors and to accurately reconcile patient's medications across the continuum of care.

The VIAL of Life kits are available at all Family Medical & Dental Centers and the Putnam County Sheriff's Office. The kits are free and the public is encouraged to take advantage of this life saving program.