Nearly 3,000 mothers report reduced stress, improved financial stability, and better health for themselves and their babies
A new survey of 2,985 mothers participating in Rx Kids, the nation’s first community-wide prenatal and infant cash prescription program, shows the program is helping families across Michigan reduce financial stress, meet basic needs, and support healthier starts for babies. The May 2026 survey—the largest participant survey in program history—includes responses from families in 42 urban and rural communities statewide.
“Across Michigan, whether in the UP or Berrien County, Michigan moms are telling us the same thing—when they have the resources they need during pregnancy and infancy, stress goes down, and health goes up,” said Dr. Mona Hanna, director of Rx Kids and associate dean of public health at the Michigan State University College of Human Medicine. “These survey findings align with rigorous research from Rx Kids and decades of evidence from around the world showing that direct investments in families improve maternal and infant health and strengthen communities.”
The survey comes as Rx Kids continues to expand across Michigan. By summer 2026, the program will operate in more than 60 communities and reach over 23,000 babies annually. To date, Rx Kids has served more than 12,000 families, delivered over $43 million in direct cash support, and supported approximately 9,000 births statewide.
Rx Kids conducts voluntary participant surveys every six months to gather direct feedback from families and monitor program impact. The May 2026 findings are consistent with previous participant surveys and complement a growing body of peer-reviewed research demonstrating improvements in financial stability, prenatal care use, maternal health, and infant outcomes among participating families.
Key Findings
Financial stability
- 85% of moms said Rx Kids helped them become more financially secure.
- 70% reported avoiding debt because of the program.
- 63% said the support helped them maintain stable housing.
- 62% said the program will help them be self-sufficient in the future.
Rx Kids funds were most commonly used for necessities that support healthy pregnancies and strong starts for babies, including baby supplies (94%), food (66%), utilities (39%), and transportation (29%).
Even with Rx Kids, 43% of mothers reported experiencing a financial shock after enrolling—most commonly car-related expenses, job loss, or unexpected utility expenses. Of those who experienced a financial shock, 72% said they used Rx Kids payments to help mitigate it, underscoring the financial instability many families continue to face and the importance of flexible cash support.
Health and well-being
- 88% said Rx Kids reduced their stress.
- 75% reported feeling more confident in caring for their child.
- 74% said the support allowed them to take time off work to care for themselves or their baby.
- 69% reported spending more time with their children.
- 63% said the program made it easier for their household to access health care.
Notably, 62% of mothers said that access to a program like Rx Kids would influence their decision to have additional children, highlighting the role financial stability can play in family planning decisions.
What Moms Are Saying
Beyond the survey findings, parents described how the program provided peace of mind during pregnancy and the postpartum period, helping them focus on recovery, bonding, and caring for their children.
“This program allowed me to keep my daughter, and I will be forever grateful because this girl is the light of my life, and I don’t know who I’d be without her. I’ve enjoyed a life with her since her birth that I almost didn’t have.” – Saginaw mom
“The payments helped reduce financial stress and made it easier to afford essentials for myself and my baby, including food, household needs, transportation, and recovery needs after childbirth. Having extra support during the postpartum period has helped me focus more on rest and caring for my newborn.” – Clare County mom
“It’s hard to believe something so good is real. I am so happy it exists and can help so many families. Every little bit helps, emotionally and financially.” – Upper Peninsula mom
“I wake up knowing everything is going to be OK.” — Detroit mom
Across communities large and small, mothers consistently described Rx Kids as more than financial support. Families reported greater peace of mind, less stress, and increased confidence during pregnancy and early parenthood. Their experiences reinforce a simple but powerful lesson: when communities invest directly in families, parents and babies are better positioned to thrive.
