Empath Health and Stratum Health System announced today that their boards of directors have formally approved the merger of the two organizations, pending regulatory approval.  The merger will create the country’s largest not-for-profit health system delivering non-acute care and services to individuals with chronic, advanced and terminal illnesses.

The combined organization will serve over 6,000 patients a day, creating a bridge between chronic, advanced and terminal care and providing seamless integration based on patient needs.  In addition, it will provide a variety of community-based programs.

Rafael Sciullo, president and CEO of Empath Health, and Jonathan Fleece, president and CEO of Stratum Health System, will come together and align under the newly formed entity. Sciullo will serve as the CEO and Fleece will serve as the president of the as-yet-unnamed new organization. Sciullo has announced his plans for retirement in January 2023; at that time, Fleece will become the president and CEO of the new organization. Empath Health/Suncoast Hospice and Stratum Health System/Tidewell Hospice will continue to operate under those respective names. The two health systems will continue to work closely together to obtain the final regulatory approvals, which are expected to occur in the next few months.