La Mutualité française informs young people about the healthcare system

During this day, screenings, information on access to rights and health, sports workshops, and prevention were offered to students. “This day aimed to place health at the heart of student life, by addressing physical and mental well-being. To reach students effectively, we chose a friendly, accessible, and caring approach,” says Dominique Viot, president of the Var delegation of the Mutualité française. The forum featured more than 40 stands spread across 4 university sites. The president adds: “The idea for this day arose from the work initiated by the Mutualité française in 2024 on how young people perceive our social protection and healthcare system and its future. A major consultation gathered the opinions of more than 1,000 young people.” Thus, students shared their experiences and expressed their expectations regarding health and solidarity around the theme “Let's talk solidarity and health”. During these meetings, the main themes addressed were: lack of information on how the healthcare system and mutual insurance companies function, as well as on prevention (STIs, addictions, etc.). Professionals also discussed the difficulties of accessing care (social, financial, and territorial inequalities) and the issue surrounding mental health, with academic, social, and professional pressure, regardless of their situation. Students also spoke about the lack of listening and not being taken seriously regarding youth problems, and the necessary rehumanization of the relationship with, in particular, restoring the link with healthcare actors. Therefore, the Mutualité decided to inform students about the functioning of the healthcare system. Thus, they were made aware of prevention tailored to their needs (physical activity, nutrition, mental health, STIs, addictions, self-esteem, etc.) and health screenings (optical, dental, audio, etc.). The Mutualité also relied on its network of partners (healthcare professionals, associations, CPAM, Communauté professionnelle Territoriale de santé (CPTS), CDOS, CCAS, BIJ de La Garde, etc.). “Ultimately, nearly 500 students visited our various stands and showed interest in what we were offering. Partners saw how important it was to be present and to go out and meet the students,” concludes Dominique Viot. •