Miller Foundation partners with Proxima Careers to help Utahns in health care careers

The Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Foundation has partnered with Proxima Careers in an educational and employment initiative to support individuals overcome barriers to pursuing health care careers.

As a benefit corporation that originated at the University of Utah, Proxima Careers is an independent company that takes an innovative approach to addressing local health care workforce shortages by engaging with individuals in Utah who are facing the greatest obstacles. Proxima connects students with skilled navigators and care team leaders who help them create a health care career plan, enroll in training at any Utah educational institution and secure and advance in health care jobs.

“Too many capable individuals face barriers that keep them from engaging in education and training, preventing them from being a part of the solution,” said Melissa Del Castillo, Proxima’s head navigator. “The resources are out there but accessing them can be complicated, requiring specialized knowledge and persistence, especially when navigating multiple services that aren’t user-friendly.”

Proxima said Utah is currently facing a massive shortage of health care professionals at all levels. In recent months, there have been more than 3,000 registered nurse (RN) job openings, with Utah having among the lowest nurse-to-population ratios in the country. The current number of nurse practitioners in Utah meets only about 70 percent of the state’s needs, with the gap expected to grow, according to Proxima data. The situation is even more critical in mental health care, where only 44 percent of needs are met, and every county faces shortages, with fewer mental health providers per capita than the national average. Proxima is tackling shortages like these by offering entry-level training that serves as a pathway to advanced essential roles.

“We don’t lack people to fill these roles; there are thousands who could step in. However, too many are unable to access the necessary education and training due to seemingly insurmountable challenges,” said Rich Saunders, CEO of Proxima. “This is exactly why Proxima was formed. We are meeting these individuals where they are and bringing them the numerous resources available to help them break down the barriers standing in their way of becoming health care professionals.”

The Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Foundation’s support is instrumental in this initiative, Saunders said. The foundation, established in 2007, has a longstanding history of supporting programs that focus on enriching lives through education and skill development. This aligns with Proxima’s mission to cultivate a new generation of qualified, work-ready health care professionals.

“We understand that meaningful employment not only boosts economic mobility but also strengthens families and communities,” said Don Stirling, executive director of the Miller Family Foundation. “Our partnership with Proxima allows us to address two critical needs: providing individuals with easy access to education and career opportunities, and secondly, filling essential gaps in Utah’s health care workforce. This initiative reflects our commitment to create lasting, positive change.

“Through addressing obstacles such as financial, social, informational and geographical challenges, Proxima and the Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Foundation are dedicated to creating pathways for individuals to enter and thrive in the health care industry,” Stirling concluded.