All branches of administration promote the health of Helsinki residents

The lifestyle changes of Helsinki residents are supported with the city-wide Smoke-Free Helsinki Programme (2007–2015). The programme, led by the Health Centre, challenges the city’s branches of administration and public health organisations to support Helsinki residents in smoke-free living. 

The Mayor encourages all branches of administration to use the Proposal Preparation and Rapid Health Impact Assessment instructions compiled by the Health Centre. 

The Healthy Helsinki Programme (2007–2011)

The key idea of the Healthy Helsinki Programme is broad cooperation between the residents and the different branches of administration, enterprises and organisations. Using a real-life test environment (Living Lab), the aim is to develop new services and solutions for health promotion. 

Attention to people in danger of social exclusion

Health promotion for Helsinki residents in danger of social exclusion took a step forward as the Intensive Care Outpatient Unity at Aurora Hospital was made permanent in 2008. The clinic offers treatment for patients with psychiatric symptoms who are perceived as dangerous due to their behavioural problems and thus find it difficult to approach the usual psychiatric services. Replacement treatment for drug abusers became available at the health stations in the autumn 2008.

Social exclusion among the elderly is being prevented through the Promising Practices project by the Home Care Services, in cooperation with the University of Helsinki. In continuation of the Time out! Project that sought to prevent the social exclusion of young men, new measures for supporting young people to complete their vocational degree has been planned together with the Social Services Department, Education Department, and the National Research and Development Centre for Welfare and Health (STAKES).