Community Health Northwest Florida (CHNWFL), a nonprofit healthcare provider serving Escambia and Santa Rosa counties, recently detected a cybersecurity breach on its servers. In response, the organization proactively took its systems offline to protect operations and assess the situation.
Immediate Response and Patient Data Security
CEO Chandra Smiley emphasized that there is currently no evidence indicating any compromise of patient data. She stated, “We immediately shut down our systems to ensure security. While it appears patient records remain secure, we are continuing to evaluate the full scope of the incident.”
Impact on Healthcare Services
The cyberattack has temporarily affected several services, including dental care, pharmacy operations, x-ray, and mammography. Despite these disruptions, CHNWFL continues to offer pediatric and primary care appointments on a limited basis. Patients with scheduled appointments are advised to attend as planned, with staff available to provide assistance.
Communication Challenges and Ongoing Efforts
Currently, CHNWFL’s phone, email, and internet systems are down, posing challenges in communication. The organization is collaborating with industry experts to restore systems and maintain essential services. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
