folkhälsan

Folkhälsan is a Finnish non-profit organization that promotes public health, welfare, and social services for the Swedish-speaking population of Finland. Founded to safeguard health and well-being within the Swedish-speaking minority, the organization operates a network of health and family centers across the country and provides a range of services to individuals and families.

Its core services include primary care clinics, mental health and preventive services, elder care, and support for families with children. Folkhälsan also offers home- and community-based services, along with programs that support parents, caregivers, and families in everyday life. The organization emphasizes accessible, language-specific services for Swedish speakers while serving diverse communities where possible.

In addition to direct service provision, Folkhälsan maintains a research arm, the Folkhälsan Research Center, which conducts studies in public health, epidemiology, aging, child health, and social determinants of health. The research conducted under Folkhälsan is often aimed at informing practice and policy, and the organization collaborates with Finnish universities, hospitals, and other health authorities to translate findings into care and prevention efforts.

Funding for Folkhälsan comes from a combination of government subsidies, service fees, and private and public donations. While the organization has a strong focus on serving the Swedish-speaking minority, it operates in communities across Finland and participates in broader public health policy discussions within the country. Its work encompasses health promotion, prevention, and support services that contribute to the well-being of individuals and families.