Helsingin kaupunki jakoi Helsinki-päivänä 12. kesäkuuta tunnustuksia ansioituneille tieteen, taiteen, kulttuurin ja urheilun tekijöille sekä henkilöille, jotka ovat tehneet merkittävää työtä Helsingin hyväksi. Tänä vuonna Kultainen Helsinki -mitali myönnettiin yhdeksälle henkilölle. Helsingin kaupungin mukaan mitali on kaupungin korkein tunnustus, ja sen myöntämisperusteena ovat kaupungin hyväksi tehdyt ansiot.
One of the recipients was Emma Tamankag, who has carried out long-term work to promote the health, wellbeing, participation and equality of Helsinki residents. HEED Finland ry, founded by Emma, provides free health counselling for people who have migrated to Finland, raises awareness of chronic diseases and trains healthcare professionals to meet clients from diverse backgrounds. The City states that her work promotes health, education and integration, and strengthens equality and wellbeing in Helsinki.
For Moniheli, this recognition is especially joyful news. Emma Tamankag served as Chairperson of Moniheli’s Board for five years and has been an active part of the Moniheli community for several years. Her work at HEED Finland reflects in many ways why associations founded by people who have migrated to Finland, as well as community-based work, play such an important role in Helsinki. When health, wellbeing and participation are promoted from people’s own starting points, trust, accessibility and concrete change can emerge.
Emma Tamankag is deeply honoured and proud of the recognition she has received. She described the medal as recognition of her long-term commitment to health promotion, chronic disease prevention, health equity and culturally sensitive community work. At the same time, she emphasised that the recognition is not hers alone, but reflects the power of community collaboration and the importance of ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to achieve better health and wellbeing.
Moniheli yhtyy tähän ajatukseen. Emma Tamankagin saama Kultainen Helsinki -mitali on tunnustus myös sille työlle, jota lukuisat järjestöt, vapaaehtoiset, työntekijät ja yhteisöt tekevät päivittäin yhdenvertaisemman Helsingin puolesta.
Warm congratulations to Emma and the entire HEED Finland community on this significant recognition!
The Mayor and Vice-mayors of Helsinki together with the rewardees.
HEED Finland is organising Chronic Disease Awareness Week, CHRODA, on 7–12 September 2026. The aim of CHRODA Week is to raise awareness of chronic diseases, promote healthy lifestyles, strengthen community participation, support early identification of diseases and reinforce cooperation between associations, companies and the public sector.
This year’s host city for CHRODA Week is Helsinki, and all events will take place in the Malmi area. The week will open with a health fair at Malmitalo from 13:00 to 17:00.