Proxima is Tackling the State’s Healthcare Staffing Shortage
Salt Lake City, UT (Jan. 22, 2025) — Proxima Careers is partnering with the Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Foundation in an educational and employment initiative to support individuals with barriers interested in pursuing healthcare 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 healthcare 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 healthcare career plan, enroll in training at any Utah educational institution, and secure and advance in healthcare 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.”
Utah is currently facing a massive shortage of healthcare 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% of the state’s needs, with the gap expected to grow. The situation is even more critical in mental health care, where only 44% 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 healthcare professionals.”
The Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Foundation’s support is instrumental in this initiative. The foundation, established in 2007, has a longstanding history of supporting programs that focus on enriching lives through education and skill development. This aligns seamlessly with Proxima’s mission to cultivate a new generation of qualified, work-ready healthcare professionals.
“We understand that meaningful employment not only boosts economic mobility but also strengthens families and communities,” said Don Stirling, executive director of the Larry H. & Gail 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 healthcare 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 healthcare industry.
“I am very happy to be part of Proxima and further my medical education,” said Magali Velasco, a member of the Granite Peaks CNA cohort. “When I left my home country, I was a nurse, but coming to the United States, I felt like I had to leave that profession behind and had come to terms with letting it go. When I heard about Proxima, it felt like what I left behind in my home country had now found its way back to me.”
In 2025, Proxima is making healthcare training programs more accessible by facilitating frequent training cohorts throughout our communities and partnering with local education institutions. If you or anyone you know are interested in a healthcare career that begins as a CNA, MA, EMT or AEMT, please visit proximacareers.org.
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About Proxima
Proxima is a benefit corporation, a spin-off company of the University of Utah, established to address healthcare workforce shortages through innovative recruitment, training, and job placement strategies. By partnering with higher education institutions, healthcare providers, community organizations, and government policymakers, Proxima helps individuals overcome barriers to education and employment in the healthcare sector.
About Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Foundation
The Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Foundation was established in 2007 to continue the philanthropic spirit exemplified by Larry and Gail Miller for future generations. The Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Foundation supports programs that enrich lives and
communities in the areas of health and medicine, shelter and food security, education and skill development, jobs and economic self-reliance, and cultural and spiritual enrichment. Read the Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Foundation’s 2023 Impact Report here: https://joom.ag/f4yd.
