Empath Health, Stratum Health System merger receives final board approval By : Ryan Williams-Jent Share this story: ABOVE: Stratum Health System President and CEO Jonathan Fleece (L) and Empath Health President and CEO Rafael Sciullo. Photo courtesy National Strategies PR. TAMPA BAY | The boards of Empath Health and Stratum Health System have formally approved their merger, making way for the nonprofits to become one of the country’s largest health care systems. Empath Health’s network of care supports patients facing chronic or advanced illnesses throughout Tampa Bay. It began in 1977 as Suncoast Hospice and its members include Empath Partners in Care (EPIC), which formed after the merger of the AIDS Service Association of Pinellas (ASAP) and Francis House in 2016.