As Florida braces for the landfall of Hurricane Milton, Empath Health, a nonprofit based in Tampa Bay, has launched a Colleague Assistance Fund to support its employees affected by the impending storm. The fund, which will provide financial aid and paid time off (PTO), is part of a broader response to back-to-back hurricanes, including the recent Hurricane Helene.
Empath Health CEO Jonathan Fleece emphasized the urgency of the situation. “As we brace for the impact of Hurricane Milton on our communities, Empath Health is taking swift action to ensure our colleagues are supported during this critical time,” Fleece said. The fund includes a $500,000 matching challenge from the Board of Trustees, with the potential to exceed $1 million. In addition to the financial assistance, employees can donate their unused PTO to further bolster the fund.
With Milton now classified as a Category 4 storm, officials are issuing evacuation orders across the state, particularly in the Tampa Bay area, which has not faced a direct hit from a major hurricane in over a century. The hurricane is expected to bring storm surges up to 12 feet and heavy rainfall, prompting Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis to declare a state of emergency. Crews are still racing to clear debris left behind by Helene, which could become dangerous projectiles during the storm.
“Hurricane Milton poses a serious threat, and the faster we secure our colleagues, the faster we can ensure they are ready to serve our patients and communities,” Fleece added, urging the public to donate to the fund.
As Milton barrels toward Florida, resources are being staged for recovery, and shelters are opening across the state. Airports are shutting down, and more than one million residents have been ordered to evacuate in advance of the storm’s expected Wednesday landfall
