Michigan State University’s Rx Kids program has launched in the city of Detroit, marking the life-changing program’s largest launch to date. With approximately 8,000 babies born in Detroit each year, the expansion represents an unprecedented investment in the city’s youngest residents, making Detroit one of the most baby-friendly cities in the nation.
“The launch of Rx Kids in Detroit is a great example of what can happen when a public university fully steps into its responsibility to serve its neighbors,” said Kevin M. Guskiewicz, Ph.D., president of Michigan State University. “By leading Rx Kids, MSU’s College of Human Medicine is translating research into real-world impact. This evidence-based program, grounded in dignity, demonstrates how universities can move beyond study to action and help ensure a healthier start for families.”
The announcement took place at the Baby Love Launch Event, a celebration inspired by the city’s Motown heritage and a renewed commitment to support moms and babies, reflecting both the spirit of Motown and the future the city is working to build.
“Rx Kids was my first announcement as mayor because supporting babies and families is foundational to Detroit’s future,” said Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield. “I promised Detroiters that we would make this happen in my first 100 days — and today, we are delivering. This is Baby Love in action: real support, real impact and real follow-through for Detroit families.”
Enrollment for Rx Kids Detroit is now live at RxKids.org and open to all city of Detroit families who are at least 16 weeks pregnant or who have a 2026 newborn. Once verified, families receive $1,500 during pregnancy and $500 per month for a baby’s first six months.
“Bringing Rx Kids to Detroit is a powerful milestone for this program,” said Mona Hanna, founder and director of Rx Kids and associate dean of public health at the Michigan State University College of Human Medicine. “This launch is the result of an extraordinary partnership with Mayor Mary Sheffield, who is boldly ushering in a new era of health, hope and opportunity. Together, we’re delivering a proven, efficient program that strengthens family financial security, improves health outcomes and builds a brighter, more equitable future for Detroit’s moms, babies and communities.”
Originally launched in Flint in 2024, Rx Kids has already reached more than 5,600 families across the state with more than $22 million in direct support during the prenatal and infancy period, which is one of the most financially challenging and critical for child development. This support helps families afford essentials such as baby supplies, food, housing, childcare and transportation to doctor’s appointments. Early results from other Rx Kids communities across Michigan show near-universal enrollment, improved family stability, reduced financial stress and better health for moms and babies, while also generating local economic benefits as dollars flow directly into neighborhood businesses.
At today’s event, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced the next major expansion of Rx Kids will extend the program in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. In March 2026, exactly one year after Rx Kids first launched in five counties in the Eastern Upper Peninsula, the program will expand to reach all 15 counties in the region. The announcement underscores Michigan’s continued commitment to scaling baby-first policies in both urban and rural communities.
“Michigan is leading the nation by investing in babies and trusting families,” said Gov. Whitmer. “Rx Kids is unlike anything else in the country and today’s Detroit launch — along with the announcement of expansion across the Upper Peninsula — shows what’s possible when leaders set bold goals and deliver on them.”
With these expansions, Michigan continues to set the national standard for innovative, efficient and evidence-informed policy that improves health outcomes, strengthens families and builds stronger communities.
A public-private partnership, Rx Kids is funded by both public investment and philanthropic leadership. In a historic bipartisan commitment, the state of Michigan recently invested $250 million to expand Rx Kids to additional high-need communities over the next three years. While a recent decision by the House Appropriations Committee to scale back 2024–25 funding may temporarily limit expansion for up to 6,000 Michigan babies, Rx Kids is continuing to move forward, working with partners across sectors to ensure moms and babies receive timely, efficient support when it matters most. Rx Kids is led by Michigan State University and administered by GiveDirectly, the global leader in cash transfers.
Philanthropic, corporate and other champions supporting Rx Kids in Detroit include the city of Detroit, the Skillman Foundation, GreenLight Fund Detroit, W.K. Kellogg Foundation, the Kresge Foundation, Skyline Foundation, Ballmer Group, General Motors, Jamie and Denise Jacob Family Foundation, Max M. and Marjorie S. Fisher Foundation, Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan, Huntington Bank, Children’s Foundation of Michigan, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Foundation and United Way for Southeastern Michigan. Additional funding opportunities remain to support Rx Kids.
For more information, to donate and to apply, visit RxKids.org.
