Where care becomes safety – the health centers' important social missions - Health centers in Østfold
Health centers are among the most important preventive services we have in Norway. Every single day, midwives, public health nurses and other health personnel meet pregnant women, children, young people and families with knowledge, care and security. This overview of the health centers in Østfold is part of The Invisible Capital – a knowledge project that wants to highlight how values are created through people, prevention and trust, long before they can be measured in statistics and accounting.
Introduction - Østfold
Østfold is a county with strong historical roots, vibrant local communities and a central place in the development of modern Norway. From the coastal towns along the Oslofjord to the agricultural areas of Eastern Norway, people have created value through work, cooperation and community for generations. Today, the county is home to nearly 320,000 inhabitants and is home to everything from industry, trade and logistics to research, technology and a rich cultural life.
In the midst of this, we find one of society's most important, but often least visible, services – health centers.
For most people, the health center is the first encounter with the public sector after a child is born. Here, families meet midwives, public health nurses and other health personnel who contribute knowledge, care, support and preventive health work every day. They create security in one of the most important phases of life and lay the foundation for good health, good upbringing conditions and lifelong coping.
The health centers are therefore far more than a municipal service. They represent an investment in people – long before the results can be measured in statistics, budgets or accounts. They show how value creation is also about trust, knowledge, relationships and prevention.
Why this series?
This overview is part of The Invisible Capital – a long-term knowledge project that seeks to highlight the people, knowledge and relationships that create value in society every single day.
The project is based on a simple but important realization:
The most important capital is not in the accounts. It is found in people.
Through this nationwide series, the goal has been to collect and quality-assert overviews of health centers in all of Norway's counties and municipalities. At the same time, the series aims to highlight one of the country's most important preventive social missions - the work carried out every day by midwives, public health nurses and other health personnel throughout Norway.
This is not just an overview of health centers.
It is a documentation of how the Invisible Capital is created – every single day, through knowledge, care and prevention.
Halden Municipality
Halden municipality is located in the far southeast of Østfold, on the border with Sweden, and has a rich history as a border town, fortress town and industrial municipality. The city is known for the impressive Fredriksten Fortress, where much of Norwegian history has taken place, and for its beautiful city center along the Iddefjord. Today, Halden has a varied business community with industry, technology, research, trade and public services, while the municipality offers great nature experiences, coastal life and an active cultural life. The health stations follow pregnant women, children, young people and families throughout pregnancy and the child's first year of life. Through health examinations, vaccinations, parental support and early intervention, they contribute to giving children a safe and good start in life.
Health centers
Halden health center
Halden youth health center
Offer
Midwifery service
Health center for children 0–5 years old
Youth health center
Home visits after birth
Childhood vaccination program
Parental guidance
Breastfeeding guidance
Multidisciplinary follow-up if needed
Family center
Fredrikstad Municipality
Fredrikstad municipality is located at the mouth of the Glomma River in Østfold and is one of Norway's largest urban municipalities. The city is known for the Old Town of Fredrikstad, the best-preserved fortified town in the Nordic countries, its vibrant cultural life and its long history as a trading and industrial city. With its archipelago, river landscape and proximity to the Oslofjord, Fredrikstad is also an attractive municipality for outdoor activities, boating and recreation. Today, the municipality has a varied business sector within industry, trade, logistics, technology, health and public services. The health stations follow pregnant women, children, young people and families throughout pregnancy and the child's first year of life. Through health examinations, vaccinations, parental support and early intervention, they contribute to giving children a safe and good start in life.
Health centers
Fredrikstad health center
Gressvik health center
Kråkerøy Health Center
Sellebakk health center
Youth Health Center (Fredrikstad)
Offer
Midwifery service
Health center for children 0–5 years old
Youth health center
Home visits after birth
Childhood vaccination program
Parental guidance
Breastfeeding guidance
Family center
Multidisciplinary follow-up if needed
Mental health and family services
Hvaler municipality
Hvaler municipality is located at the edge of the Oslofjord in Østfold and consists of a unique archipelago with more than 800 islands, islets and skerries. The municipality has Skjærhalden as its administrative center and is known for its beautiful archipelago, its rich coastal environment and proximity to Ytre Hvaler National Park – Norway's first marine national park. Hvaler has long traditions in fishing, seafaring and tourism, and is a popular destination for boating, swimming, paddling and outdoor activities. The health station follows pregnant women, children, young people and families throughout pregnancy and the child's first year of life. Through health examinations, vaccinations, parental support and early intervention, it helps to give children a safe and good start in life.
Health centers
Hvaler Health Center (Skjærhalden)
Offer
Midwifery service
Health center for children 0–5 years old
Youth health center
Home visits after birth
Childhood vaccination program
Parental guidance
Breastfeeding guidance
Multidisciplinary follow-up if needed
Inner Østfold Municipality
Indre Østfold municipality is located centrally in Østfold and was established in 2020 through the merger of the former municipalities of Askim, Eidsberg, Hobøl, Spydeberg and Trøgstad. The municipality has Askim as its administrative center and is known for its lush agricultural landscape, strong industrial environments and long traditions in trade and business. With Glomma, large forest areas and an active cultural life, the municipality offers good growing-up conditions and a varied outdoor life. The health stations follow pregnant women, children, young people and families through pregnancy and the child's first year of life. Through health examinations, vaccinations, parental support and early intervention, they contribute to giving children a safe and good start in life.
Health centers
Askim health center
Mysen health center
Spydeberg health center
Trøgstad health center
Hobøl Health Center (Knapstad)
Youth Health Center (Askim)
Youth Health Center (Mysen)
Offer
Midwifery service
Health center for children 0–5 years old
Youth health center
Home visits after birth
Childhood vaccination program
Parental guidance
Breastfeeding guidance
Family center
Multidisciplinary follow-up if needed
Mental health and family services
Marker municipality
Marker municipality is located in the east of Østfold along the border with Sweden and has Ørje as its administrative center. The municipality is known for its beautiful lakes, large forest areas and the historic Halden Canal, which has been an important route for timber rafting and boat traffic for generations. Marker has strong traditions in agriculture, forestry and small-scale business, while the municipality is also a popular area for outdoor activities, fishing, canoeing and boating. With its rich nature and active local community, Marker offers good growing-up conditions for children and families. The health station follows pregnant women, children, adolescents and families through pregnancy and the child's first year of life. Through health examinations, vaccinations, parental support and early intervention, it helps to give children a safe and good start in life.
Health centers
Marker Health Center (Ørje)
Offer
Midwifery service
Health center for children 0–5 years old
Youth health center
Home visits after birth
Childhood vaccination program
Parental guidance
Breastfeeding guidance
Multidisciplinary follow-up if needed
Moss municipality
Moss municipality is located on the Oslofjord in Østfold and has Moss as its administrative center. The municipality is known for its long industrial history, its vibrant cultural life and its central location between Oslo and the Østfold towns. After the municipal merger with the former Rygge municipality in 2020, Moss has developed into one of the county's largest municipalities with a varied business sector within industry, logistics, trade, technology and public services. With a beautiful coastline, good outdoor areas and proximity to the capital region, Moss is an attractive municipality for both families and businesses. The health stations follow pregnant women, children, young people and families through pregnancy and the child's first year of life. Through health examinations, vaccinations, parental support and early intervention, they help give children a safe and good start in life.
Health centers
Moss health center
Rygge health center
Youth Health Center (Moss)
Offer
Midwifery service
Health center for children 0–5 years old
Youth health center
Home visits after birth
Childhood vaccination program
Parental guidance
Breastfeeding guidance
Family center
Multidisciplinary follow-up if needed
Mental health and family services
Rakkestad municipality
Rakkestad municipality is located centrally in Østfold and has Rakkestad as its administrative center. The municipality is known for its open cultural landscape, strong agricultural traditions and an active business community within agriculture, industry, trade and service. Rakkestad has long traditions as an agricultural municipality and is today an important producer of food and agricultural products. The municipality also offers good opportunities for outdoor activities with forests, lakes and a rich network of hiking trails. With a vibrant local community and good upbringing environments, Rakkestad is a good place to grow up. The health center follows pregnant women, children, adolescents and families through pregnancy and the child's first year of life. Through health examinations, vaccinations, parental support and early intervention, it helps to give children a safe and good start in life.
Health centers
Rakkestad health center
Youth Health Center (Rakkestad)
Offer
Midwifery service
Health center for children 0–5 years old
Youth health center
Home visits after birth
Childhood vaccination program
Parental guidance
Breastfeeding guidance
Multidisciplinary follow-up if needed
Råde municipality
Råde municipality is centrally located in Østfold between Moss and Fredrikstad and has Karlshus as its administrative center. The municipality is known for its open cultural landscape, fertile agricultural areas and its strategic location along the E6 and the Østfold Line. Råde has long traditions in agriculture and food production, while the municipality has developed a varied business sector in trade, logistics, service and public services. With its proximity to the Oslofjord, beautiful natural areas and good upbringing environments, Råde is an attractive municipality for both families and businesses. The health center follows pregnant women, children, adolescents and families through pregnancy and the child's first year of life. Through health examinations, vaccinations, parental support and early intervention, it contributes to giving children a safe and good start in life.
Health centers
Råde Health Center (Karlshus)
Youth Health Center (Council)
Offer
Midwifery service
Health center for children 0–5 years old
Youth health center
Home visits after birth
Childhood vaccination program
Parental guidance
Breastfeeding guidance
Multidisciplinary follow-up if needed
Sarpsborg Municipality
Sarpsborg municipality is centrally located in Østfold by the Glomma River and is one of Norway's oldest cities. The city was founded by Saint Olav in 1016 and can thus celebrate more than a thousand years of history. Sarpsborg is known for the mighty Sarpefossen, Europe's largest waterfall measured in water flow, and has been an important center for industry, trade and public activities for centuries. Today, the municipality has a varied business community within industry, logistics, health, education and technology. With good upbringing environments, a rich cultural life and proximity to both nature and the coast, Sarpsborg is an attractive municipality for families. The health stations follow pregnant women, children, young people and families through pregnancy and the child's first year of life. Through health examinations, vaccinations, parental support and early intervention, they help to give children a safe and good start in life.
Health centers
Sarpsborg health center
Hafslundsøy Health Center
Tune health center
Youth Health Center (Sarpsborg)
Offer
Midwifery service
Health center for children 0–5 years old
Youth health center
Home visits after birth
Childhood vaccination program
Parental guidance
Breastfeeding guidance
Family center
Multidisciplinary follow-up if needed
Mental health and family services
Skiptvet municipality
Skiptvet municipality is centrally located in Østfold and has Meieribyen as its administrative center. The municipality is known for its beautiful cultural landscape, fertile agricultural areas and a strong local community with long traditions in agriculture and small-scale business. Skiptvet offers good opportunities for outdoor activities with forests, lakes, hiking trails and an active sports and cultural life. With its quiet location and proximity to larger cities, the municipality is an attractive place for families who want a safe environment to grow up. The health center follows pregnant women, children, adolescents and families through pregnancy and the child's first year of life. Through health examinations, vaccinations, parental support and early intervention, it helps to give children a safe and good start in life.
Health centers
Skiptvet health center
Offer
Midwifery service
Health center for children 0–5 years old
Youth health center
Home visits after birth
Childhood vaccination program
Parental guidance
Breastfeeding guidance
Multidisciplinary follow-up if needed
Våler Municipality
Våler municipality is located in the northwest of Østfold and has Kirkebygden as its administrative center. The municipality is known for its lush cultural landscape, large forest areas and strong traditions in agriculture, forestry and local business. With proximity to both Moss, Sarpsborg and Oslo, Våler offers a good combination of rural surroundings and short distances to larger job markets. The municipality offers good upbringing conditions, an active volunteer environment and great opportunities for outdoor activities throughout the year. The health station follows pregnant women, children, adolescents and families throughout pregnancy and the child's first year of life. Through health examinations, vaccinations, parental support and early intervention, it contributes to giving children a safe and good start in life.
Health centers
Våler Health Center (Kirkebygden)
Offer
Midwifery service
Health center for children 0–5 years old
Youth health center
Home visits after birth
Childhood vaccination program
Parental guidance
Breastfeeding guidance
Multidisciplinary follow-up if needed
Aremark municipality
Aremark municipality is located in the southeast of Østfold along the border with Sweden and has Fosby as its administrative center. The municipality is known for its large forest areas, beautiful lakes and the historic Halden Canal, which has been an important traffic artery for generations. Aremark has strong traditions in agriculture, forestry and outdoor activities, and offers great opportunities for fishing, canoeing, hunting and nature experiences all year round. With its close-knit local community and safe environment, the municipality is a good place to grow up. The health center follows pregnant women, children, adolescents and families through pregnancy and the child's first year of life. Through health examinations, vaccinations, parental support and early intervention, it helps to give children a safe and good start in life.
Health centers
Aremark health center (Fosby)
Offer
Midwifery service
Health center for children 0–5 years old
Youth health center
Home visits after birth
Childhood vaccination program
Parental guidance
Breastfeeding guidance
Multidisciplinary follow-up if needed
The overview is being developed further.
This is part of a nationwide overview of health centers in Norway. The work is ongoing, and new municipalities and counties are added as the information is quality assured and updated.
The goal is to collect all of Norway's health center services in one place - so that parents, students, health personnel and others can easily find updated information about the municipalities' preventive health services.
Last updated: (July 07, 2026)
New here
This article is a complete overview of the health centers in Norway.
If you first want to understand why health centers are so important for children, parents and society, we recommend that you start with the main article.
There we tell the story of the people behind the health centers, the research that shows the importance of early intervention, and why the health centers are one of Norway's most important investments in human capital.
The knowledge behind The Invisible Capital
Invisible Capital is not built on one book or one idea. It has been developed through many years of study, research, international seminars, and practical experience from working life.
The books below represent some of the most important professional sources of inspiration behind the project. They have shaped the way I think about leadership, innovation, digitalization, customer experiences, value creation and – not least – the importance of the people who create the values.
Each book has contributed new perspectives. Together, they have helped develop the knowledge base for The Invisible Capital and the book project Value-Creating People.
I hope they can give you the same professional inspiration that they have given me.
Recommended books from our library
Content Strategy for the Web (2nd Edition)
Author/authors: Kristina Halvorson and Melissa Rach
Short review
How do you create content that actually helps people – and at the same time supports your business goals? Content Strategy for the Web is considered one of the most influential books in the field of content strategy and digital communications. The book shows how good content does not arise by chance, but through a deliberate strategy where user needs, the organization's goals, structure, work processes and management are closely linked.
The authors take the reader through the entire process – from planning and organizing to publishing, managing and continuously improving content on websites and digital services. Although technology has evolved since the book was published, the principles of quality, relevance, management and long-term content work are at least as relevant in an era where search engines and artificial intelligence assess the credibility and usefulness of content.
Why we recommend the book
At The Invisible Capital, we believe that good content is one of the most important forms of invisible value creation. A website is far more than design and technology – it is the content that builds trust, creates great customer experiences and helps people find the answers they are looking for.
This book is perfect for leaders, communications consultants, content producers, web editors, UX designers, and anyone working with digital services. It shows why a clear content strategy leads to better user experiences, more effective interactions, and stronger digital results over time.
In an era where artificial intelligence is increasingly important in how information is discovered, understood, and communicated, this book is more relevant than ever. It reminds us that technology alone never creates value – it is good, structured, and relevant content that makes the difference.
Don't Make Me ThinkAuthor: Steve Krug
Short review
Don't Make Me Think is one of the world's most influential books on usability and web design. Since its first edition in 2000, the book has helped designers, developers, content producers, and managers understand a simple but powerful principle: Good digital services should be intuitive. The user should be able to complete their task without having to stop and think about how the website works.
Why we recommend the book
This is one of the books that has had the greatest impact on my own work with digital services. Over the years – from SAS and the Norwegian Opera & Ballet to working on Bærum Municipality’s website – the principles in this book have been an important reminder that technology is never an end in itself. The goal is to make everyday life easier for the people who use the services. Despite the fact that the book was published many years ago, the message is just as relevant today.
Internet Marketing & eCommerce
Authors: Ward Hanson and Kirthi Kalyanam
Short review
Internet Marketing & eCommerce provides a thorough introduction to how the internet has changed marketing, commerce, and business development. The book combines theory and practical examples in digital marketing, e-commerce, customer behavior, value creation, and digital business models. Although written at a time when the internet was still in its infancy, many of the fundamental principles are still highly relevant.
Why we recommend the book
This book was an important part of my own learning journey in digital marketing and e-commerce. It helped build my understanding of how technology, customer experiences and business strategy are interconnected – an insight that later became very important in my work with SAS, the Norwegian Opera & Ballet, Bærum Municipality and eventually the project The Invisible Capital. Many of the ideas about customer value, digitalization and innovation presented on the website have their roots in the knowledge this book conveys.
The Innovator's Dilemma: When New
Technologies Cause Great Firms to Fail
Author: Clayton M. Christensen
Short review
The Innovator's Dilemma is one of the most influential books on innovation and technological change. Clayton Christensen introduces the concept of "disruptive innovation" and shows how even the most successful businesses can fail when new technologies and business models change the market. Through a series of examples, he explains why established companies often have difficulty adapting to radical change - even when they do "everything right."
Why we recommend the book
This book has had a major impact on how I view innovation, digitalization, and change management. It provided a new perspective on why established businesses are challenged by new players, and why the ability to think differently is crucial in a world characterized by continuous technological development. Many of the reflections in The Invisible Capital on innovation, digital transformation, and value creation are based on the insights Clayton Christensen conveys in this classic.
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