Finnish Social and Health Organizations Underutilized in Crisis Preparedness

Social and health organizations in Finland hold substantial untapped potential to bolster the nation's response to crisis and disruption situations, according to a recent analysis. Despite their capacity to assist in areas like healthcare emergencies or potential wartime scenarios, their current engagement in national preparedness efforts is significantly limited.

A survey by Soste, an umbrella organization for social and health sector NGOs, revealed that only a small fraction, just four percent, of these organizations actively participate in national or regional preparedness exercises. This low participation rate suggests that valuable expertise and resources within these organizations are not being fully leveraged by authorities.

The article advocates for a more robust inclusion of these social and health organizations in the planning and training phases that precede crisis events. It emphasizes the need to develop joint operational models at national, regional, and municipal levels. Such integration would allow for a more coordinated and effective response when emergencies arise.

Furthermore, the piece raises concerns that proposed significant cuts to the funding of social and health organizations could undermine their ability to support both the public and authorities. This potential reduction in capacity could, in turn, weaken Finland's overall crisis resilience and national security. The author stresses that these organizations play a crucial role in everyday life by supporting families, the elderly, and individuals with chronic illnesses, thereby strengthening societal resources that are vital for crisis preparedness.