Seventeen health systems across the country, including Intermountain Health and University of Utah Health, recently signed the Impact Workforce Commitment that will allow more job opportunities to individuals from low-income households, refugees and people lacking access to education and training.

The goal is to improve societal health and well-being by creating economic chances and addressing racial unfairness in the communities the health groups serve.

“I believe they should work to find equitable and innovative solutions to workforce shortages,” he said. “University of Utah Health is committed to working with the community to provide stability and advancement opportunities with the goal of improving overall health, well-being, and quality of life,” said Dan Lundergan, CEO of U of U Health Hospitals and Clinics.

Intermountain Health and U of U Health have recently partnered with the Utah Office of Refugee Services and other community-based organizations to develop pathway programs to train and hire new Americans into health care careers. Entry-level roles such as phlebotomists, medical assistants or pharmacy technicians will open the door to career growth opportunities in the field.

“Intermountain and the University of Utah have been critical partners in building career pathways for refugees that lead to long-term success,” said Asha Parekh, director of the Utah Office of Refugee Services. “Refugees are finding more than jobs. They are acquiring new skills, starting careers, and earning enough to support their families. It’s the difference between arriving and thriving. We are proud that, together, we can offer these new opportunities.”

U of U Health and Intermountain Health have committed to hire at least 10% of people from economically disadvantaged neighborhoods into jobs that require less than a bachelor’s degree by 2027.

Other commitments include increasing the number of employees promoted from positions that require less than a bachelor’s degree into higher-wage roles, creating a dedicated financial support program to help employees achieve long-term financial stability, ensuring fair and equitable leadership development at all health system levels, and advancing advocacy to accelerate workforce development policies at state and federal levels.

“Our commitment to increase our impact hiring by 10% by 2027 aligns with our mission of helping people live the healthiest lives possible,” said Rob Allen, president and CEO of Intermountain Health. “Our intentional outreach to rural communities as well as our many apprenticeship programs are providing good jobs that play a key role in creating healthier communities in the geographies we serve.”