Everyone Loves Rx Kids!

“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 Governor Whitmer. “As families face the squeeze right now from high grocery, health care, and housing costs, we need to work together to make a real difference in their lives and ensure every baby born in Michigan gets a fair shot at a good life. With today’s expansion, we’re making it easier for every family with a newborn in Detroit to keep a roof over their head, put food on the table, and see a doctor when they need one. We will continue finding new ways to drive down costs, reduce poverty, and help more moms and babies live happy, healthy lives.” – Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, City of Detroit news release, January 16, 2026 

“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. I spoke many times during my campaign about a renewed focus on key quality of life supports that directly impact Detroit families. I am proud to say that as Mayor of Detroit, I have fought hard to bring Rx Kids to Detroit and have made it a priority to launch this transformational program in the first 100 days of my administration.” – Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield, City of Detroit news release, January 5, 2026  

“Helping moms and babies truly fits into the call of Jesus. I believe in the sanctity of life. I believe we need to be champions for the unborn. That means more than just calling ourselves “pro-life” — it means doing everything we can to make it easier for expectant moms to choose life. It means being there for families from the very beginning — and offering them the resources they need to thrive.” –  State Sen. John Damoose (R-37), Detroit Free Press Op-Ed, September 4, 2024 

“I am incredibly grateful for the leadership of Dr. Mona Hanna and Mayor Mary Sheffield in finally bringing Rx Kids to Detroit. Their work is setting a new standard for how we support families early and effectively in our city and across our state. Supporting moms, kids, and families from day one should not depend on who you are or where you live.” – Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, City of Detroit news release, February 9, 2026

“The creation of this program places Flint, Michigan, at the forefront of innovation in the fight to improve maternal and infant health outcomes. You all play a vital role in providing material support to our Nation’s most vulnerable and underserved communities.” – Vice President Kamala Harris, MLive, February 24, 2024 

“Rx Kids is live in three counties in my district, Clare, Gladwin, and now Lake. This program provides real, tangible support to families during one of the most critical times in their lives, and it’s exactly the kind of investment that strengthens our communities and sets up our youngest residents for success.” –  State Sen. Roger Hauck (R‑Mt. Pleasant), Rx Kids news release, January 12, 2026 

“Caring for our babies and families is a bipartisan issue here in Michigan,” said Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks. “We have a shared commitment, a shared value to ensure that every child has a healthy start. Diapers, car seats, daycare — it adds up quickly, especially at a time when costs are so high, and I’m extremely proud to be helping parents during this exciting and challenging time in their lives.” –  State Sen. Winnie Brinks (D-29), Rx Kids news release, October 8, 2025 

“Launching Rx Kids in Roscommon County is about making sure families have the support they need at the most critical time in their lives. Too often, parents are forced to choose between paying rent and putting food on the table, and children bear the brunt of those impossible decisions. Programs like Rx Kids reflect the bipartisan work we’ve done in Lansing to strengthen families and provide resources directly where they are needed most.” – State Rep. Ken Borton (R-Gaylord), Rx Kids news release, December 3, 2025 

“I’ve seen firsthand how economic stress and lack of opportunity can put families in crisis. As a mentor to high school students working toward college, I also see how early stability can shape a child’s entire future. Rx Kids gets to the root of the issue by supporting mothers and newborns from day one with dignity and trust. This program is about strengthening families, improving public safety, and building a healthier, more hopeful Detroit for generations to come.” – State Rep. Tyrone Carter (D-Detroit), City of Detroit news release, February 9, 2026

“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. We’ve already seen just how beneficial Rx Kids is for the health, financial security, and overall well-being of Michigan families, which is why I’m so proud that my colleagues and I fought to secure continued state funding for this evidence-based program, expanding its reach to even more moms and babies.” –  State Rep. Sylvia Santana (D-Detroit), Rx Kids news release, October 8, 2025 

“As a father who has raised two children, I know firsthand the challenges families face and the importance of smart investments that deliver real results. In Flint, Rx Kids has created jobs and delivered a strong economic return to the local economy. That kind of impact shows the power of family first solutions, and I am hopeful that bringing Rx Kids to Gladwin County will provide the same boost to our local families and communities.” – State Rep. Mike Hoadley (R-Au Gres), Rx Kids news release, December 3, 2025 

“As a legislator I’ve seen firsthand how health, safety, and economic stability are all tied together. Rx Kids is a smart, preventative investment that gets at all three. When we support moms and babies from the very start, we improve health outcomes, lower long-term costs, and help families build a stable foundation. That stability shows up in safer neighborhoods and a stronger economy. This is exactly the kind of evidence-based, people-first approach Michigan should be leading with.” – State Rep. Alabas Farhat (D-Dearborn), City of Detroit news release, February 9, 2026

“Rx Kids supports families at a critical time, strengthening our local economy, and keeping more young families rooted right here in mid-Michigan. I’m proud that the State of Michigan has stepped up to support families through Rx Kids. I want to thank my colleagues for their bipartisan commitment to making Michigan more affordable and improving health outcomes for moms and babies—especially in rural communities. This is the most efficient way to help our community—targeted, meaningful support without growing government. We’re not expanding bureaucracy; we’re investing directly in families.” – State Rep. Tom Kunse (R-100), MLive article, August 1, 2025 

“I’ve never been afraid to fight for Michigan families and underrepresented communities who often are left behind by our systems. Expanding Rx Kids in Detroit is a meaningful step toward real social change — one that puts resources directly into the hands of mothers and newborns when they need it most. Rx Kids does that work by uplifting families, improving health outcomes, and strengthening our communities from the very beginning.” – State Sen. Erika Geiss (D-Taylor), City of Detroit news release, February 9, 2026

“That’s why it’s imperative we invest in our children from the very beginning of their lives. By lifting mothers and babies out of poverty, we are also investing in a brighter future for Flint for generations to come.” –  State Sen. John Cherry (D-Flint), And Magazine, May 15, 2025 

“My work in the Legislature is focused on expanding access to health care, ensuring every child receives a quality education, strengthening our justice system, and protecting workers’ rights. Rx Kids connects to all of those goals. By giving mothers and newborns a healthy, stable start, we’re improving outcomes in school, in health, and in life. This program is an investment in families, in opportunity, and in the future of Michigan.” – State Rep. Donavan McKinney (D-Detroit), City of Detroit news release, February 9, 2026

“If a couple is considering whether or not to have children and the financial hardship is part of that calculation, this program (Rx Kids) can offset those concerns and give people hope that they can indeed afford to have more children and raise a family.” –  State Sen. Ed McBroom (R-38), Detroit Free Press, February 17, 2025 

“Strong communities are built by investing in people early. Rx Kids recognizes that supporting mothers and infants from the start improves health, reduces future costs, and creates better outcomes across a child’s lifetime. It’s the kind of practical, evidence-based policy I’ve seen succeed in both local government and state budgeting.” –  State Rep. Amos O’Neal (D-Saginaw), Rx Kids news release, January 12, 2026 

“Making sure that children grow up in an environment where their needs are met should not be a partisan issue. Ensuring that babies have clean, fresh diapers, safe car seats, and safe sleeping arrangements are key to their development in life.” – State Rep. Phil Green (R-67), And Magazine, May 15, 2025 

“As a former Detroit school teacher, I have firsthand knowledge of the challenges facing our public schools and the families they serve. I’ve seen how economic stress and health disparities show up in the classroom every day, affecting a child’s ability to learn and thrive. Expanding Rx Kids into Detroit is a powerful investment in our local community and in our children’s futures. By supporting mothers and newborns from the very beginning, we’re laying the groundwork for stronger health outcomes, greater stability at home, and better success in school. This is exactly the kind of smart, community-centered policy Michigan needs.” – State Rep. Regina Weiss (D-Oak Park), City of Detroit news release, February 9, 2026

“Rx Kids is a perfect example of what it means to invest in people. By putting resources directly into the hands of families and new mothers, we not only improve maternal and infant health outcomes but also give the next generation a stronger, healthier start. I’m thrilled to see Rx Kids launch in Berrien County and hopeful that this program can expand to support even more families across Southwest Michigan.” –  State Rep. Joey Andrews (D-St. Joseph), Rx Kids news release, January 12, 2026 

“I’ve always believed in building relationships across the aisle to deliver real solutions for Michigan families. My focus is always on creating opportunity and stability. Rx Kids embodies that same spirit. By supporting mothers and newborns in Detroit with direct, no-strings-attached assistance, we’re strengthening families, improving health outcomes, and investing in a brighter future for our communities. This is a bipartisan, people-first program I’m proud to support.” – State Sen. Jeremy Moss (D-Bloomfield Township), City of Detroit news release, February 9, 2026

“Detroit families deserve support during one of life’s most critical moments. Rx Kids is a proven, research-backed program developed by a pediatrician and mom for moms that puts cash directly in new parents’ pockets when they need it most—leading to better health outcomes for moms and babies, strengthening stability at home, and saving millions in future healthcare costs while boosting the local economy. Rx Kids is already transforming lives across Michigan by giving families the financial security to provide their babies with a strong start, and I’m proud to support its expansion to Detroit”  – State Sen. Mallory McMorrow (D-Royal Oak), City of Detroit news release, February 9, 2026

Throughout my career, I’ve championed women’s rights, equality, and social justice and expanding Rx Kids to Detroit is a powerful reflection of those values. By providing direct support to mothers and newborns, this program addresses health inequities at their roots, strengthens families, and builds healthier communities.” – State Sen. Paul Wojno (D-Warren), City of Detroit news release, February 9, 2026

“This means a lot to me,” said Representative Jimmie Wilson Jr. “Ypsilanti is my hometown, and I’m proud to help bring Rx Kids to the families I serve. This program is more than policy—it’s a commitment to equity, dignity, and opportunity for every child and every parent in our community.” –  State Rep. Jimmie Wilson Jr. (D-Ypsilanti), Rx Kids news release, December 1, 2025 

“Families who have historically faced economic uncertainty now have a lifeline that helps them manage everyday expenses. For many, the program creates a foundation of stability, giving them the chance to focus on their children’s well-being and development.” –  State Rep. Julie Rogers (D-Kalamazoo), And Magazine, May 15, 2025 

“Rx Kids is an innovative program that is transforming countless lives across Michigan, putting money back in people’s pockets, and making a difference. We know that to take care of children, we need to take care of the adults that take care of children. So we’re not just putting money in people’s pockets. We believe we’re opening the door for more opportunities for generations of people. I know that a lot of other communities across the state and across the nation are taking notice.” – Garlin Gilchrist II, Michigan Lieutenant Governor, Rx Kids news release, March 1, 2025 

“As a mother of four, I first ran for public office by serving on our local school board because I wanted to ensure my children, and every child in our community, could receive a world-class education. That commitment to good government and smart investments continues to guide my work in the Senate today. Expanding Rx Kids to Detroit is exactly the kind of policy that delivers real results for families. I’m proud to support Rx Kids and its expansion into Detroit.” – State Sen. Senator Veronica Klinefelt (D-Eastpointe), City of Detroit news release, February 9, 2026

“As a licensed and ordained minister, I’ve always believed that love isn’t just something we say, it’s something we do. ‘Love is the work’ means showing up for families in real, tangible ways, especially during life’s most vulnerable moments. Rx Kids puts love into action by providing mothers and newborns with the support they need at the very beginning of life. It’s compassionate, practical, and rooted in the belief that every family deserves a strong start. By investing in families from day one, we’re strengthening our communities and building a healthier, brighter future for Detroit.” – State Rep. Stephanie Young (D-Detroit), City of Detroit news release, February 9, 2026

“As mother of four and former social worker, I’ve gained deep insight into the policy successes and failures that shape Michiganders’ lives every day. The programs that work are the ones that meet families where they are and put trust in communities. Rx Kids does exactly that by providing direct, no-strings-attached support to mothers and babies at the most critical moment. This is community-centered legislation that strengthens families, improves health outcomes, and gives every child a fair start.” – Rep. Kimberly Edwards (D-Eastpointe), City of Detroit news release, February 9, 2026

“Supporting new moms and babies must be a top priority, and I am thrilled to see Mayor Sheffield and Rx Kids team up to help Detroit families. With a background in public policy and social work, I know that smart, people-centered investments at the earliest stages of life deliver the strongest outcomes. Expanding Rx Kids to Detroit is exactly the kind of solution that works — supporting mothers and newborns with dignity, improving health outcomes, and strengthening families and communities. I’m proud to support this program and its expansion as we continue building a more equitable future for Detroit.” – Sen. Stephanie Chang (D-Detroit), City of Detroit news release, February 9, 2026

“Rx Kids is a bold investment in our families and our future We’re proud to bring this program to the City of Ypsilanti and ensure every child has the opportunity to thrive from day one.” – Ypsilanti Mayor Nicole Brown, Rx Kids news release, December 1, 2025 

“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. Bringing Rx Kids to Wayne County is part of a broader initiative to create healthier communities.” – Wayne County Executive Warren Evans, Rx Kids news release, November 10, 2025 

“With the launch of Rx Kids – an evidence-based program with a proven track record – Detroit is working to ensure that every mother has a solid foundation upon which to raise their newborn and that every baby receives strong support from day one. Direct and intentional people-centered investments, such as these, are how we create healthy communities rooted in dignity, equity, and opportunity.” – Gabriela Santiago-Romero, Detroit City Council Member, District 6, City of Detroit news release, February 9, 2026

“We have long committed Wayne County and its communities to being family friendly and this puts that commitment into action. Through this partnership, we are able to provide assistance to expecting and new mothers and their children in areas that could use it most.” – Wayne County Commission Chair Alisha Bell (D-Detroit), Rx Kids news release, November 10, 2025 

“Caring for our children is written into our city’s very foundation; it’s in our charter. Holistic programs like Rx Kids put that responsibility into action and are truly life changing. This early investment in our children’s lives strengthens families, our community, and even boosts our local economy.” – Angela Whitfield-Calloway, Detroit City Council Member, District 2, City of Detroit news release, February 9, 2026

“The Rx Kids program is providing critical cash assistance that is already helping hundreds of families and newborns in Pontiac with the essentials that are allowing them to thrive. We’re thrilled to support and expand this program to even more families in Hazel Park and Royal Oak Township.” – Oakland County Executive David Coulter, Rx Kids news release, May 1, 2025 

“Rx Kids is going to have a positive impact on Detroit families by providing financial stability to pregnant mothers that leads to healthier pregnancies, improved birth outcomes, and significant reduced parenting stress,” said Detroit City Councilmember Scott Benson, District 3. “Direct cash support also has shown health care savings by encouraging pregnant mothers to access pre-natal care consistently and more frequently which results in fewer complications and NICU admissions. From helping make ends meet to supporting healthier pregnancies, Rx Kids will be a game changer for Detroit families. Ending poverty is not charity—it is justice. Today we walk down the road of justice towards equitable prosperity with Rx Kids. Our grand goal is that Detroiters can live in a world where “poverty” and “Citizens of Detroit” are never mentioned in the same sentence again.” – Coleman A. Young II, President Pro-Tempore, Detroit City Council, City of Detroit news release, February 9, 2026

“All mothers and young children will be able to take this opportunity and participate in this program, regardless of their income level. Having said that, there are a lot of people in Pontiac who face economic challenges. We have a lot of low-income moms. We have a lot of single-parent homes. We also have a high infant mortality rate.” – Pontiac Mayor Tim Greimel, Michigan Radio, March 17, 2025 

“Investing in strong families is an investment in Flint’s future. Rx Kids will support mothers and children in Flint when they are most vulnerable. This blessing will lift families out of poverty and improve health outcomes. Our prayer is that we will improve maternal and infant health and help Flint families raise strong, healthy babies.” – Flint Mayor Sheldon Neeley, Rx Kids news release, January 10, 2024 

“We hope, over time, to realize better outcomes in maternal infant health as a result (of Rx Kids). The bottom line is, in Kalamazoo, birthing people and children will know that they have the support of their community as they bring a child into the world.” – State Rep. Christine Morse (D-Texas Township), Michigan Radio, August 27, 2024

“I understand the sacrifices working families make to build a better future. Families deserve real support. Rx Kids is a powerful step in that direction. By providing cash assistance to mothers with newborns, we’re easing financial strain, improving health outcomes, and helping families start strong. This is the kind of people-centered policy Michigan needs.” – State Rep. Veronica A. Paiz (D-Harper Woods), City of Detroit news release, February 9, 2026

“I’ve seen how moments of vulnerability can define a family’s future. Rx Kids is the kind of compassionate, community-driven policy that makes a real difference. By providing support to mothers and babies from the start, we’re improving health outcomes, reducing stress, and honoring the dignity of families across Michigan. This program reflects the values of care, equity, and opportunity that I’ve spent my life fighting for.” – State Rep. Laurie Pohutsky (D-Livonia), City of Detroit news release, February 9, 2026

“The City Commission prioritized this partnership with our Rx Kids as a critical component in our efforts to provide abundant opportunities for people to achieve shared prosperity and to help young people thrive.” – Kalamazoo Mayor David Anderson, Michigan Radio, August 27, 2024

“The values of teamwork, commitment, and community service were instilled in me on the football field at Michigan State University, where I learned firsthand the power of coming together to achieve something greater than ourselves. That makes it especially meaningful to see MSU lead innovative solutions like Rx Kids. Expanding this program to Detroit will give families the support they need from day one, improving health outcomes and building a stronger future for our city. I’m proud to support Rx Kids and its expansion into Detroit.” – State Rep. Joe Tate (D-Detroit), City of Detroit news release, February 9, 2026