Fathers in Vaasa benefit from unique health clinic services in Finland

Every year, 110 to 170 fathers in Vaasa attend the city’s father health clinic, a service that has been available in Finland for over a decade. This initiative is relatively rare in the country. Shannon McWilliam, a father of three, utilized the service while expecting his youngest child, who will soon turn one, while his older children are 10 and 11 years old. He noted that the role of fathers in families has shifted from passive to active involvement.

McWilliam appreciated the support he received during his appointment, describing it as a calm moment to discuss his thoughts. He valued being able to ask questions he had previously hesitated to pose, including concerns about public diaper changes, which he learned are common worries among other fathers.

The father health clinic, managed by the Vaasa region’s health department, offers health assessments for fathers, including discussions on nutrition, lifestyle, and parenthood. The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health confirms that such clinics are not legislatively mandated, but local authorities can choose to establish them independently. Currently, Vaasa is one of the few areas providing this service, with hopes to expand to nearby municipalities.

Despite the financial challenges faced by social wellness areas and declining birth rates in Finland, the ongoing development of father health clinics is seen as an important focus for enhancing family welfare. Plans are in motion to introduce father health services in additional municipalities like Laihia, Maalahti, and Korsnäs, with interest from regions like Rovaniemi.