About 9000 patient index cards covering the period of roughly 1921 to 1931 were found in the attic at the san.  They currently are held at the Pa. State Archives in Harrisburg.  These cards measuring 3" x 5" were issued for tuberculosis patients at the Cresson Sanatorium in Cambria County. 

The front side of the card lists admission date, case number, discharge number, clinic number, diagnosis, patient name, number of admissions, patient home address, religion, occupation, age, place and date of birth, citizenship, length of residence in Pennsylvania, reason/condition/date of discharge, number of clinic visits, and total days in the Sanatorium.

The reverse side of the card lists clinical condition, patient height, admission and discharge weight, weight gain or loss, father's name and birthplace, mother's name and birthplace, patient reference and their relation to patient, reference address, and any remarks.

These index cards do contain some medical information, so HIPAA privacy rules do apply.  However, the general rules are as follows:

1.  If the patient died more than 50 years ago, anyone may obtain a copy of the complete index card.

2.  If the patient died less than 50 years ago, anyone may obtain a copy of the complete index card, but the medical information will be blacked out.

Note that there will be a charge to locate, reproduce and mail copies of the index cards.  Call the State Archives to determine applicable fees.  The current contact for these cards is:

Jonathan R. Stayer

Supervisor of Reference Services
Pennsylvania State Archives
350 North Street I Harrisburg, PA  17120-0090
Phone:  717.783.2669

E-mail:  jstayer@pa.gov