Rx Kids expands unprecedented effort to support Michigan families

Rx Kids, the nation’s first community-wide program that gives cash to growing families, is expanding. Since launching in Flint in 2024, the program, led by Michigan State University, has improved lives across Michigan, from the Eastern Upper Peninsula to River Rouge and beyond.

A proactive health intervention, Rx Kids provides support of $1,500 during pregnancy and $500 per month for babies during the first six to 12 months of life. Since its launch, Rx Kids has transformed the lives of nearly 5,000 families in almost 30 urban and rural communities throughout Michigan, delivering more than $20 million in cash prescriptions.

In 2026, the program will expand to even more communities in Michigan. Detroit will be the largest city to participate in Rx Kids, with an estimated 8,000 babies born in the city each year. Along with Detroit, Rx Kids announced in early January that the program went live in several communities in Saginaw and Berrien counties and in Lake County.

In early April, Rx Kids announced another expansion, this time bringing its groundbreaking support to Montmorency County in partnership with Thunder Bay Community Health Service. At the same time, enrollment has opened for families in the Southeast Michigan cities of Mount Clemens and Center Line, with a separate launch celebration planned next week.

As of April 1, pregnant mothers living in Montmorency County, Mount Clemens, and Center Line can apply to receive $1,500 during pregnancy and $500 per month for the first six months of their baby’s life.

This past October, Michigan lawmakers committed a historic $250 million to MSU to support the Rx Kids public-private partnership. This investment is matched with other philanthropic funding and is expected to reach nearly 100,000 babies — about one-third of all births in Michigan. Over the next three years, Rx Kids is expected to grow to dozens more communities, delivering measurable results to families and local economies across the state.

“With this expanded support, we have the opportunity to bring Rx Kids to more communities across Michigan — and continue MSU’s long-standing mission of solving big problems and serving the people of our great state,” said Mona Hanna, Rx Kids director and associate dean of public health in the MSU College of Human Medicine.

Across more than 35 Michigan communities, Rx Kids is delivering powerful results: stronger family financial stability, improved maternal mental health and healthier birth outcomes, including fewer premature and low birth weight babies. Recent research indicates positive outcomes for both families and communities, including fewer infant maltreatment allegations and millions of dollars in local spending that help small businesses thrive. For every Rx Kids $1 spent in the community, an estimated $1.60-$3.00 circulates in the local economy.

Expanding to a city the size of Detroit is a major milestone for the program and was the first announcement of Detroit’s new mayor. “Detroit has always been a city that leads with heart and courage, and today we are once again setting a national standard by ensuring that every mother has real support and every baby has a strong start,” said Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield, announcing that Rx Kids would launch in Detroit within her first 100 days.

“Rx Kids is the nation’s first-ever program that puts $4,500 directly in the pockets of new moms to help them care for their babies while improving their finances and health, and I’m so proud that Mayor Sheffield is expanding it into Detroit,” said Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

Applications are currently open for Michigan communities interested in bringing MSU’s Rx Kids program to their area. “We are moving quickly to ensure Rx Kids reaches as many moms and babies as possible,” Hanna said. “By applying now, communities have the chance to bring these life-changing benefits to local families and help reshape health and well-being across entire populations.” Applications are open until Feb. 14, and additional rounds may follow.

Rx Kids is led by Michigan State University and administered by GiveDirectly.

Learn more about the program at RxKids.org.

Photo above courtesy of the city of Detroit.