UMMC closes clinics Wednesday, activates triage phone line

University of Mississippi Medical Center takes steps to ensure network safety after cyberattack

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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The University of Mississippi Medical Center has closed its clinics through Wednesday as it works to ensure a safe network environment following a recent cyberattack. The UMMC Triage Line has been established to allow patients to leave messages through a secure, automated voice system, with requests for time-sensitive needs prioritized.

Why it matters

This cyberattack on UMMC's systems has disrupted patient care, forcing the medical center to take steps to maintain operations and ensure the safety of its network. The triage line is a temporary measure to provide assistance to the most urgent cases while the broader network issues are addressed.

The details

UMMC clinics will remain closed through Wednesday as the medical center works to secure its network following a cyberattack last week. The UMMC Triage Line has been set up to allow patients to leave messages, with time-sensitive requests such as medication refills or postoperative care visits being prioritized. Messages left on the triage line will be routed to the appropriate staff for response, though return calls may be delayed due to high call volume.

  • UMMC clinics will remain closed through Wednesday, February 26, 2026.
  • The UMMC Triage Line was established on February 24, 2026.

The players

Dr. LouAnn Woodward

Vice chancellor for health affairs at the University of Mississippi Medical Center.

University of Mississippi Medical Center

A medical center operated by the University of Mississippi, providing healthcare services to the state.

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What they’re saying

“We deeply regret the inconvenience caused by this attack on our system. We are doing all that we can to bring this situation to a safe resolution. In the meantime, we are opening this triage phone line for those most in need of immediate assistance.”

— Dr. LouAnn Woodward, Vice chancellor for health affairs (darkhorsepressnow.com)

What’s next

UMMC staff are working to restore full clinic operations as soon as possible, with the triage line serving as a temporary measure to assist patients with urgent needs.

The takeaway

This cyberattack on UMMC's systems has disrupted patient care, forcing the medical center to take steps to maintain operations and ensure the safety of its network. The triage line is a temporary measure to provide assistance to the most urgent cases while the broader network issues are addressed.