Rx Kids launches in six Wayne County cities

In partnership with Wayne County, Rx Kids announced the launch across six cities: River Rouge, Hamtramck, Highland Park, Inkster, Melvindale, and Dearborn, with a $7.5 million investment from the county. Beginning Nov. 10, pregnant mothers in these communities can apply to receive $1,500 during pregnancy and $500 per month for the first six months of their child’s life.

Michigan lawmakers recently announced a substantial investment in Rx Kids within the approved 2025-26 state budget of $250 million. The increased funding means more families across the state will get the help they need, providing much-needed economic relief during a critical time in their lives.

“This is a game-changer for our communities. Rx Kids is not just a program — it’s a movement to uplift families and invest in the future of our county,” said Wayne County Executive Warren C. Evans. “Bringing Rx Kids to Wayne County is part of a broader initiative to create healthier communities.”

“We are excited about the launch of Rx Kids and look forward to helping expectant moms during pregnancy and each month throughout the first six months of the baby’s life,” said Kennyle Johnson, interim director of the Wayne County Department of Health, Human and Veteran Services. “Providing financial support during this time in a family and child’s life is so important, and we look forward to launching the program in select cities throughout Wayne County.”

With nearly 1 in 3 children living below the poverty line, Wayne County has one of the highest child poverty rates in Michigan. These conditions create lasting barriers to health, education, and opportunity. In partnership with the Wayne County Health Department, the launch of Rx Kids offers direct support to families during the most critical stage of a child’s development.

“As a pediatrician who once cared for families in Wayne County, I know this community’s strength but also the health challenges too many babies face when they’re born into poverty,” said Mona Hanna, associate dean for public health and Charles Stewart Mott Endowed Professor of Public Health in the MSU College of Human Medicine. “That’s why this expansion of Rx Kids is so critical. Together with local leaders, we’re ensuring every baby and family has a healthier start — and building a stronger, healthier Michigan for generations to come.”

Originally launched in Flint, Michigan, in 2024, Rx Kids has expanded across the state to reach more than 3,900 families with $17 million in direct cash support. The addition of six new cities in Wayne County brings the program to 17 high-need communities in both urban and rural parts of the state. The expansion to Wayne County is the single largest launch of Rx Kids to date.

With nearly 100% enrollment, communities participating in the program are seeing dramatic improvements in maternal and infant health. Recently published research showed significant impacts on birth outcomes, with a population-level decline in the rate of premature babies and low birth weight babies, leading to a prevention of NICU admissions. The program is also making a profound impact on family financial stability, improvements in maternal mental health, and health care access. These outcomes underscore the power of economic support during the earliest stages of life and the potential for Rx Kids to reshape the health of entire communities.

Rx Kids is a program of the MSU Pediatric Public Health Initiative, in collaboration with Poverty Solutions at the University of Michigan, and administered by GiveDirectly. The launch in these communities is supported by the State of Michigan, Wayne County, the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan, the City of Dearborn Department of Public Health, and a congressionally directed federal grant to support maternal and infant health in Dearborn.

“We have long committed Wayne County and its communities to being family friendly and this puts that commitment into action,” said Wayne County Commission Chair Alisha Bell (D-Detroit). “Through this partnership, we are able to provide assistance to expecting and new mothers and their children in areas that could use it most.”

Chair Bell, who is also the incoming second vice-president of the National Association of Counties, or NACo, said she will share information on Wayne County Rx Kids with other county leaders throughout the nation. “This is a program that will have a real impact here in Wayne County and I hope for other new moms and infants as well.”

Enrollment is now open for River Rouge, Hamtramck, Highland Park, Inkster, Melvindale, and Dearborn. All expectant mothers must be at least 16 weeks pregnant at the time of enrollment or have an infant born on or after Nov. 1, 2025. Families can learn more and apply at RxKids.org.

What Michigan’s leaders are saying

“The costs of raising a family continue to rise, making it increasingly difficult to afford even the essentials. It’s our responsibility as lawmakers to ensure that Michigan families have the resources they need to raise healthy, thriving kids, and programs like Rx Kids help us achieve just that,” said state Sen. Sylvia Santana. “That’s why I’m especially proud and excited to see Rx Kids launch right here in my district. We’ve already seen how transformative this program can be for the health, financial stability, and overall well-being of families across Michigan. Now, moms and babies in Wayne County will directly benefit from this evidence-based support.”

“The launch of Rx Kids in Dearborn is a huge win for families,” said state Rep. Byrnes. “As an educator, I know how much programs like this can do to ensure every child gets a strong start in life.”

“Seeing Rx Kids launch in Wayne County fills me with hope, said state Rep. Carter. “This program uplifts our moms and babies, and I’m eager to see the impact on families in River Rouge and other parts of the county.”

“I’m incredibly excited to see Rx Kids launching in Hamtramck and Highland Park, two great communities in my district,” said state Sen. Stephanie Chang. “I have been proud to support this program in the Michigan legislature and believe Rx Kids is a powerful investment in our families, providing real financial support to moms and babies during a critical time in a child’s life. It’s inspiring to know that Wayne County is helping lead the way in building a healthier, more equitable future for Michigan children.”

“Rx Kids is exactly the kind of bold, people-first policy our communities need, said state Rep. Farhat. “I’m thrilled to see it launching in Dearborn, and I look forward to seeing it expand to support even more families across the region.”

“This program is a bold investment in our children’s future, and I’m proud to see it expanding to more communities in Wayne County,” said state Sen. Erika Geiss. “I’m hopeful that Rx Kids will gain more momentum across the county to reach more moms and babies with the care and resources they need to thrive.”

“Rx Kids is a powerful investment in our future, said state Rep. Liberati. “Its launch in Wayne County is just the beginning, I’m hopeful we can expand this support to more families in the county.”

“Rx Kids is a game-changer for maternal and infant health, said state Rep. Myers Phillips. I’m proud to support its launch in Wayne County and hopeful we’ll see its reach grow to support even more families across the area.”

“Inkster is a community that deserves bold, innovative support for families,” said state Sen. Polehanki. “This program is a powerful step toward ensuring every baby gets a strong start in life, regardless of zip code. By investing directly in moms and newborns, Rx Kids is helping build a healthier, more equitable future for our children, and I’m honored to support its expansion in my district.”

This story originally appeared on the RxKids website.