At Empath Health, we believe that caring for our colleagues is just as essential as caring for our patients and families. In response to the recent devastation caused by Hurricane Helene, we have established a special Hurricane Helene Assistance Fund within our Colleague Assistance Fund (CAF) to offer immediate financial relief to colleagues who have been impacted by the storm.
This fund is designed to help those facing unexpected expenses, such as temporary housing, home repairs, and other essential needs that have arisen in the wake of the hurricane. By creating this targeted fund, we aim to ensure that our team members can access the resources they need to recover and rebuild during this difficult time.
“Our colleagues are the heart of our mission, and in times of crisis, we stand by them just as they stand by our patients,” said Jonathan Fleece, President and CEO of Empath Health. “This fund allows us to help those who give so much to others, ensuring they have the support they need when it matters most.”
The Hurricane Helene Assistance Fund is an extension of our long-standing Colleague Assistance Fund, which has provided support to team members in times of personal hardship. This fiscal year alone, the Colleague Assistance Fund has provided $108,000 in support to more than 100 members of Team Empath. Colleagues affected by the hurricane can apply for assistance quickly and confidentially, with funds distributed as soon as possible to address urgent needs.
Hurricane Helene, which impacted West Central Florida on Thursday, stands as the most severe storm to hit the region in over a century. Empath Health, with over 3,000 colleagues, serves communities across 20 counties, stretching from Collier County in the south to Marion County in the north. Our diverse range of services includes hospice, palliative care, home health, PACE, adult day programs, sexual health, and grief support. Every day, we provide Full Life Care to thousands of individuals and families, addressing their physical, emotional, and spiritual needs, ensuring they receive the compassionate care they deserve.