Folkhälsan
Encyclopedia
Samfundet Folkhälsan, or in short Folkhälsan (literally "Public Health") is a non-governmental organization
based in Finland
. It is active in advocating social welfare and health care for the Swedish-speakers
of Finland. The organization also carries out scientific research and informs and counsels in order to promote health and good quality of life. The organization also runs an multi-cultural International Children's home in Oulunkylä
and is organizing the annual national Saint Lucy's Day celebrations in Finland.
The organization was founded in 1921 by Ossian Schauman
and a number of other doctors who wanted to reduce child mortality
and cases of tuberculosis
in Finland. The NGO was combining practical work with research already from the very start.
About 100 researchers do research into inheritable diseases and illnesses attributed to lifestyles. A further 1,500 persons work for, and some 16,500 persons pay membership to the organization.
Folkhälsan is funding its activities by selling its services to the municipalities. Certain municipalities, like the town of Karis
has allocated its entire health care to Folkhälsan. The NGO has also activities within child care and the care of the elderly. Further sources of income are private donations and funding from the Finnish Slot Machine Association (RAY).
Non-governmental organization
A non-governmental organization is a legally constituted organization created by natural or legal persons that operates independently from any government. The term originated from the United Nations , and is normally used to refer to organizations that do not form part of the government and are...
based in Finland
Finland
Finland , officially the Republic of Finland, is a Nordic country situated in the Fennoscandian region of Northern Europe. It is bordered by Sweden in the west, Norway in the north and Russia in the east, while Estonia lies to its south across the Gulf of Finland.Around 5.4 million people reside...
. It is active in advocating social welfare and health care for the Swedish-speakers
Finland-Swedes
Swedish-speaking Finns constitute a linguistic minority in Finland. They maintain a strong identity and are alternatively seen either as a distinct subgroup of the Finnish people or as a separate ethnic group or even as a distinct nationality...
of Finland. The organization also carries out scientific research and informs and counsels in order to promote health and good quality of life. The organization also runs an multi-cultural International Children's home in Oulunkylä
Oulunkylä
Oulunkylä is a suburb and a neighbourhood of Helsinki, the capital of Finland. It is located north from the center of the city.It has been inhabited since the 13th century. Earlier an independent municipality, it was made part of Helsinki in 1946. A rink used for speed skating and bandy is...
and is organizing the annual national Saint Lucy's Day celebrations in Finland.
The organization was founded in 1921 by Ossian Schauman
Ossian Schauman
Ossian Schauman was the founder of the Swedish-speaking non-governmental organization Folkhälsan, which provides social welfare and health care services in Finland...
and a number of other doctors who wanted to reduce child mortality
Child mortality
Child mortality, also known as under-5 mortality, refers to the death of infants and children under the age of five. In 2010, 7.6 million children under five died , down from 8.1 million in 2009, 8.8 million in 2008, and 12.4 million in 1990. About half of child deaths occur in Africa....
and cases of tuberculosis
Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis, MTB, or TB is a common, and in many cases lethal, infectious disease caused by various strains of mycobacteria, usually Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Tuberculosis usually attacks the lungs but can also affect other parts of the body...
in Finland. The NGO was combining practical work with research already from the very start.
About 100 researchers do research into inheritable diseases and illnesses attributed to lifestyles. A further 1,500 persons work for, and some 16,500 persons pay membership to the organization.
Folkhälsan is funding its activities by selling its services to the municipalities. Certain municipalities, like the town of Karis
Karis
Karis is a former Finnish town and Finnish municipality in Finland. On January 1, 2009, it was consolidated with Ekenäs and Pohja that formed the new town of Raseborg....
has allocated its entire health care to Folkhälsan. The NGO has also activities within child care and the care of the elderly. Further sources of income are private donations and funding from the Finnish Slot Machine Association (RAY).