Southwest Florida-based Empath Health and Stratum Health System have announced that they have entered into formal discussions to merge. Both organizations share a commitment to the preservation of their charitable missions of not-for-profit hospice, home care and community-based services. When they merger is complete, the newly formed entity will care for more than 6,000 people a day.

Empath Health’s integrated care network supports patients with chronic or advanced illness in greater Tampa Bay. Its family of services includes Suncoast Hospice. Stratum Health System is focused on managing the continuum of care through hospice and home-based care servicing Southwest Florida. Tidewell Hospice is its most recognized brand. The merger will have no direct impact to patients and their families, volunteers, donors, referral sources or the boards of directors of the current organizations at this time.