Rx Kids brings financial relief to pregnant mothers in Montmorency
Launched in Flint in 2024, Rx Kids provides direct cash support during pregnancy and early infancy, which is one of the most financially challenging and developmentally critical periods for families.
What’s happening: Michigan State University’s Rx Kids program, the nation’s first prenatal and infant cash prescription program, is expanding again, bringing its groundbreaking support to Northern Michigan’s Montmorency County in partnership with Thunder Bay Community Health Service. Beginning April 1, pregnant mothers living in Montmorency County can apply to receive $1,500 during pregnancy and $500 per month for the first six months of their baby’s life.
The impact: As Rx Kids continues to expand into communities across the state, Michigan is setting the national standard for innovative, efficient, evidence-informed policy that improves health outcomes, strengthens families, and builds stronger communities. In the last two months, Rx Kids has launched in Detroit and expanded across the entire Upper Peninsula. Early results from Rx Kids communities across Michigan show near‑universal enrollment, reduced financial stress, improved maternal and infant health, and stronger local economies as dollars flow directly into neighborhood businesses.
What they’re saying: “Rx Kids is proving that when we invest directly in families, it works, whether they live in a rural county like Montmorency or in the heart of a major city” said Dr. Mona Hanna, founder and director of Rx Kids and associate dean of public health at the Michigan State University College of Human Medicine. “Every community deserves healthy pregnancies, thriving babies, and less financial stress. Michigan is showing the nation what’s possible when we put families first.”
About Rx Kids: Launched in Flint in 2024, Rx Kids provides direct cash support during pregnancy and early infancy, which is one of the most financially challenging and developmentally critical periods for families. Rx Kids is led by Michigan State University and administered by GiveDirectly, the global leader in cash transfers. A public-private partnership, the initiative is made possible thanks to support from Michigan and a three-year commitment from the Community Foundation for Northeast Michigan. Thunder Bay Community Health Service will serve as the local Community Champion, supporting outreach, engagement, and celebration.
Information: For more information, to donate, and to apply, visit RxKids.org.
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