HHS OCR report · 2021
Sterling Area Health Center data breach
OCR report facts
- Covered entity
- Sterling Area Health Center
- Entity type
- Healthcare Provider
- State
- Michigan
- Individuals affected
- 3,336
- Submission date
- Apr 15, 2021
- Type of breach
- Hacking/IT Incident
- Location of breached information
- Network Server
- Business associate present
- Yes
- Status
- Archive (closed)
OCR description
The covered entity (CE), Sterling Area Health Center, reported that its business associate (BA) was the subject of a hacking attack that affected the protected health information (PHI) of 3,336 individuals. The PHI involved included names, addresses, drivers’ license numbers, medications, and clinical information. The CE notified HHS; the BA notified affected individuals, the media, and provided substitute notice. In response to the breach, the CE terminated its business relationship with its...
Text as published on the HHS OCR breach portal.
Frequently asked questions
How many people were affected by the Sterling Area Health Center data breach?
The report to HHS OCR lists 3,336 individuals affected.
When was it reported to HHS?
It was submitted to HHS OCR on Apr 15, 2021.
What type of breach was it?
The OCR portal lists the type of breach as Hacking/IT Incident, with the breached information located in: Network Server.
Is the investigation still open?
No. The report is in the OCR portal archive, which holds reports where OCR has closed its review.
Is a breach notice letter from Sterling Area Health Center legitimate?
This site cannot verify letters. Check the sender against the organisation's official website and the HHS OCR breach portal, and avoid calling numbers or clicking links only listed in an unexpected message. See our guide on what to do after a data breach notice.
Source: HHS OCR Breach Portal, OCR export October 2026. Network USA is not affiliated with HHS or Sterling Area Health Center.