Vaasa Satellite Office

The Vaasa Satellite Office engages in nationally and internationally significant research and development in the broad fields of mental health, substance abuse and work with migrants. The Office works in cooperation with local actors, taking part in service development within the region. Its strengths lie in the cross-sectoral view of mental health promotion, alcohol and drug abuse prevention and social integration.

The foundation for the Satellite Office was laid in a decision by the Finnish Ministry of Social Affairs and Health in December 2005, and the Office was opened in May 2006. The activities are based on a framework agreement between the National Institute for Health and Welfare (THL), the Vaasa Hospital District, the City of Vaasa, the University of Vaasa and the Åbo Akademi University in Vaasa. The Office currently has a staff of four but its activities will gradually be expanded.

The Satellite Office's work is based on local capacity. Within the mental health and substance abuse sector, the extensive Ostrobothnia Project and several other development projects are ongoing. The Vaasa Excellence Centre for Mental Health, a network comprised of THL, the University of Helsinki and the Vaasa Hospital District, already operated in the area before the Satellite Office. The Nordic Education Programme for Development of Social Services (NOPUS) is also based at the Satellite Office.

The WHO Collaboration Centre for Mental Health Promotion, Prevention and Policy forms part of the Satellite Office, working as an intermediary between international, national and regional development, educational and research projects. The Collaboration Centre works to promote international exchange of experiences from regional projects, especially projects such as the Ostrobothnia Project, and relays international experiences to regional actors.

The Satellite Office is a part of Unit of Mental Health Promotion in the Division of Health and Social Services at THL but has a niche of its own. Within the Office, no distinction is made between mental health services, substance abuse work and work with migrants as these actions are considered to support each other and be interdependent.

Contact details:

Head of the Satellite Office Maritta Vuorenmaa, Tel. +358 40 513 3024.
E-mail: firstname.lastname@thl.fi