Communities in Calhoun, Genesee, Jackson, Kalamazoo, Kent, Muskegon, and Wayne counties will launch Rx Kids this summer
In a video announcement featuring Governor Whitmer and stakeholders from across the state, the Michigan State University’s Rx Kids program today announced it will expand to 20 new communities this summer. This expansion builds on growing momentum across Michigan and reflects a historic bipartisan investment to bring Rx Kids to more families over the next three years.
“Every mom and baby deserve the support they need to get off to a strong start,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “In Michigan, we’re leading the nation in support of moms and babies through Rx Kids, a first‑of‑its‑kind program that is improving health outcomes, putting money in Michiganders’ pockets, and giving families a fighting chance to thrive. I’m proud to see Rx Kids launch in 20 additional Michigan communities this summer. Let’s keep working together to make Michigan the best state to start and raise a family.”
Launched in Flint, Michigan in 2024, Rx Kids is now operating in 42 Michigan communities across urban and rural parts of the state, including recent launches in the City of Detroit and the entire Upper Peninsula. This summer’s expansion will bring Rx Kids to more than 60 communities statewide, reaching over 23,000 births each year.
“Expanding Rx Kids to more communities across Michigan is a powerful example of what’s possible when we invest in families from the very beginning,” said President Kevin Guskiewicz, Michigan State University. “This program is already demonstrating meaningful impact—supporting healthier pregnancies, stronger early childhood outcomes, and more stable communities. Michigan State University is proud to be part of this work, and we are grateful to the Governor and legislative partners who recognize that supporting our youngest residents is an investment in the long-term strength of our state.”
Rx Kids enrollment will open in the following communities in summer 2026, with local launch events to welcome families and celebrate this investment in moms and babies:
Enrollment opens June 1, 2026:
- City of Galesburg, Kalamazoo County
- Oshtemo Township, Kalamazoo County
- Wakeshma Township, Kalamazoo County
- City of Muskegon, Muskegon County
- City of Muskegon Heights, Muskegon County
- City of Jackson, Jackson County
- Blackman Charter Township, Jackson County
Enrollment opens July 1, 2026:
- City of Albion, Calhoun County
- City of Battle Creek, Calhoun County
- City of Springfield, Calhoun County
- Sheridan Township, Calhoun County
- Zip code 49507, Kent County
Additional communities in Genesee County and Wayne County will launch Rx Kids later this summer, with more details to be announced soon.
“In October 2025, the legislature passed a bipartisan budget investing $250 million over three years to complement annual state TANF and private funds to expand this proven and efficient maternal and infant health program across Michigan,” said Dr. Mona Hanna, Director of Rx Kids and Associate Dean of Public Health at the Michigan State University College of Human Medicine. “We quickly engaged baby champions across the state, raised the additional match needed for this public-private partnership, and are now delivering this transformative support for moms and babies to thousands of Michigan families. We are deeply grateful to our state leaders, local community champions, and generous funders who made this investment possible. And while we are proud of this progress, we also know the demand for Rx Kids is tremendous—we hear every day from families eager for this support — and we will continue to work to bring it to every community that needs it.”
Communities applied through a comprehensive, open application process. Statewide outreach ensured communities across Michigan were aware of the opportunity, resulting in more than 25 applications and additional interest from dozens of communities should future expansion opportunities become available. Future application cycles and expansions will depend on sustained state investment, including restoration of previously cancelled funds, continued annual TANF support, and strong enrollment across communities.
Community selection was guided by a multi-sector Advisory Committee of statewide health and human service leaders from the following organizations: Michigan Center for Rural Health, Michigan Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, Michigan Council for Maternal and Child Health, Michigan Public Health Institute, Michigan 2-1-1, Michigan Community Action, Michigan Health & Hospital Association, Michigan Association of United Ways, and the Michigan Association of Local Public Health.
Communities were selected based on demonstrated need, including indicators such as Medicaid birth rates, child poverty levels, and maternal and infant health outcomes. As a public‑private partnership, applicant communities were also required to secure local match funding through philanthropic, business, health system, or individual support.
A model of efficiency and program integrity, Rx Kids is led by Michigan State University and administered by GiveDirectly, the global leader in safe and secure cash transfers. The program is implemented in partnership with dozens of local Community Champions who lead outreach, engagement, and celebration. Local fiduciaries play a pivotal role in strengthening local commitment and investment in new and existing communities.
In the City of Galesburg, Oshtemo Township, and Wakeshma Township, the initiative is made possible thanks to support from the State of Michigan, the Stryker Johnston Foundation, and Kalamazoo Community Foundation (KZCF). Cradle Kalamazoo has served as the local Community Champion for the City of Kalamazoo and will extend its reach to these new communities, supporting outreach, engagement, and celebration. KZCF will also continue to serve as local fiduciary and welcomes contributions to ensure the sustainability of the program. The Kalamazoo County communities will launch the prenatal plus 12 month version of the program, reaching approximately 280 births each year.
In the City of Jackson and Blackman Charter Township, where around 630 babies are born each year, the initiative is made possible thanks to support from the State of Michigan, Center for Family Health, Community Action Agency, Consumers Energy Foundation, Dawn Food Corporate Giving Program, Henry Ford Jackson Hospital, Jackson Community Foundation, United Way of South Central Michigan, and the City of Jackson. The Center for Family Health will serve as the local Community Champion, supporting outreach, engagement, and celebration. Jackson Community Foundation will serve as local fiduciary and welcomes contributions to ensure the sustainability of the program. The City of Jackson and Blackman Charter Township will launch the prenatal plus 6 month version of the program.
In the cities of Muskegon and Muskegon Heights, the initiative is made possible thanks to support from the State of Michigan, the City of Muskegon, Community Foundation for Muskegon County, and many individual donors. The City of Muskegon will serve as the local Community Champion, supporting outreach, engagement, and celebration. The Community Foundation for Muskegon County will serve as local fiduciary and welcomes contributions to ensure the sustainability of the program. The Cities of Muskegon and Muskegon Heights will launch the prenatal plus 6 month version of the program, reaching approximately 580 births each year.
For the approximately 640 annual births in Kent County 49507, the initiative is made possible thanks to support from the State of Michigan, Amway, City of Grand Rapids, Grand Rapids Community Foundation, Heart of West Michigan United Way, Jandernoa Foundation, KRW Foundation, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Peter C. & Emajean Cook Foundation, Steelcase Foundation, W.K. Kellogg Foundation, and Wege Foundation. First Steps Kent will serve as the local Community Champion, supporting outreach, engagement, and celebration. The Grand Rapids Community Foundation will serve as local fiduciary and welcomes contributions to ensure the sustainability of the program. The prenatal plus 6 month version of the program will launch in 49507.
In the cities of Albion, Battle Creek, Springfield, and Sheridan Township, where about 780 babies are born annually, the initiative is made possible thanks to support from the State of Michigan, Albion Community Foundation, Battle Creek Community Foundation, Binda Foundation, BlueOval Battery Park Michigan, Bronson Health System, Duncan Aviation, Miller Foundation, United Way of South Central Michigan, W.K. Kellogg Foundation, and Worgess Insurance. Grace Health will serve as the local Community Champion, supporting outreach, engagement, and celebration. The Battle Creek Community Foundation will serve as local fiduciary and welcomes contributions to ensure the sustainability of the program. The Calhoun County communities will launch the prenatal plus 6 month version of the program.
The Wayne County Department of Health, Human and Veterans Services and the Greater Flint Health Coalition will serve as Community Champions for the additional sites to be announced in Wayne and Genesee Counties, which will launch the prenatal plus 6 month version of the program.
Built on extensive evidence—including the success of the expanded Child Tax Credit—Rx Kids is a place-based program designed to improve maternal and infant health at a population level by addressing the profound economic hardship families face during pregnancy and infancy, the most financially vulnerable time for many households. Families living in Rx Kids communities receive a one-time $1,500 payment during mid-pregnancy and $500 per month during infancy. For thousands of Michigan families, this support means help with diapers, formula, rent, and getting to prenatal care. Rx Kids has demonstrated improvements in family financial stability, healthier moms and babies, and meaningful economic benefits, with millions of dollars in spending flowing directly into small businesses and local economies.
Eligible participants must be at least 16 weeks pregnant at enrollment, and newborns must be born on or after their community’s launch date. Families should check their community’s launch date for eligibility, as applications cannot be submitted prior to launch. To learn more or enroll, visit RxKids.org.
What Michigan Leaders are Saying
“Increasing the Rx Kids program means reaching more families at moments that matter most,” said Jameca Patrick-Singleton, Executive Director of Cradle Kalamazoo. “This expansion reflects our belief that every birthing family and baby in our community deserves the full measure of support, dignity and care.”
“The expansion of the Rx Kids program marks a significant achievement as we work to establish a thriving community for all,” said Dr. Grace Lubwama, President/CEO of Kalamazoo Community Foundation. “We know that our communities are made stronger when families are supported. Rx Kids is helping to do just that, ensuring our mothers and babies have access to the critical resources they need during one of the most significant times in their lives.”
“I’m thrilled to see the evidence-based, widely successful Rx Kids program expand to our communities of Oshtemo and Galesburg,” said State Senator Sean McCann. “Investing directly into our new mothers and babies during this critical stage sets the next generation up for success and builds strong, healthy futures right here in Michigan. I am proud to support this effort to prioritize the well-being of our youngest residents and provide families with tools they need to tackle food insecurity, childhood poverty, and more.”
“As a public health physician focused on prevention, I know that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure—and there is no smarter investment we can make than in our youngest children and their families,” said State Representative Matt Longjohn. “Rx Kids relieves real financial stress during pregnancy and early infancy, giving parents the breathing room they need to make healthier decisions for themselves and their babies. That kind of early support pays dividends for a lifetime, strengthening families, improving health outcomes, and building stronger communities.”
“We are proud to serve as the Community Champion for Rx Kids in Calhoun County because investing in mothers and babies is an investment in our community’s future, “ said Dr. Peter Chang, President/CEO, Grace Health. “By providing critical support at the earliest stages of life, this program helps build stronger families, improve health outcomes, and create lasting, positive change for generations to come.”
“We are thrilled to bring Rx Kids to Calhoun County,” said Mary Muliett, President and CEO, Battle Creek Community Foundation. “By investing directly in mothers and babies, we are strengthening families, improving health outcomes, and creating a foundation for every child to thrive from day one.”
“As your community champion, First Steps Kent is excited to bring Rx Kids to our community,” said Jennifer Headley-Nordman, President of First Steps Kent. “Supporting mothers from the very beginning can have a powerful impact on family stress and long-term outcomes for children. When families have the resources they need during pregnancy and early infancy, it creates a stronger, more stable foundation for everything that follows. We’re proud to extend this program to mothers in the 49507 community and to walk alongside families during such an important time.”
“We are excited to serve as a fiduciary for Rx Kids to ensure the sustainability of the program as it launches in Grand Rapids’ 49507 neighborhoods,” said LaSandra Gaddy, president and CEO of Grand Rapids Community Foundation. “Investing in this program contributes to economic security for families navigating the exciting and challenging transition of welcoming a new baby.”
“As a mother and lifelong member of this community, I believe our work should always come back to one simple question: are we making it easier for families to build a life here? Rx Kids is going to do just that by lifting the burden families often carry during pregnancy and early infancy and giving them the stability they need to thrive,” said State Representative Kristian Grant. “This is the kind of investment that strengthens not just individual families, but our entire community and I am proud to support this work.”
“Our state’s historic expansion of the game-changing Rx Kids program has already proven to be transformative for the health, well-being, and financial security of so many Michigan families — and I couldn’t be prouder that it’s now coming to neighborhoods in Grand Rapids to support new moms and babies right here in West Michigan,” said Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks. “At a time when families are being stretched too thin, Rx Kids delivers real, meaningful relief when it matters most. This is a prescription for hope and stability that we should all be proud of.”
“Rx Kids has a proven track record of positive outcomes for newborns and mothers,” said State Representative John Fitzgerald. “I was proud to support additional funding for its expansion and am pleased to see First Steps Kent take the lead in expanding it to our communities.”
“Rx Kids is about supporting families during one of the most critical times in their lives,” said Sara Benedetto, Interim CEO and COO, Center for Family Health. “By increasing economic stability, we are investing in families and partnering with them to support improved health and well‑being for both parents and children. Center for Family Health is honored to be working alongside our community, working together to make a difference.”
“Serving as the fiduciary for Rx Kids, the Jackson Community Foundation is excited to support a bold, evidence‑based approach that puts families first,” said Monica Moser, President and CEO, Jackson Community Foundation. “We’re proud to partner with the Center for Family Health and all the champions across our community working with our families, moms and babies in the City of Jackson and Blackman Charter Township. This is our opportunity to help drive lasting impact for our community and making sure our newest residents know how much we appreciate them.”
“I was happy to support Michigan’s critical investment in Rx Kids last budget season,” said State Senator Sue Shink. “Raising a baby is more expensive than ever, and this groundbreaking programs gives every family a strong start.”
“Supporting families starts with supporting moms and babies,” said State Representative Kathy Schmaltz. “I’m committed to advancing state programs that provide meaningful support to mothers and their children—while protecting taxpayer dollars—because families are the foundation of our state’s future.”
“When a mother makes the courageous choice to bring life into the world, it is critical she has a necessary support system,” said State Representative Steve Frisbie. “Programs like Rx Kids ensure Calhoun County families and their newborns receive the resources they need.”
“Welcoming a baby should be filled with hope – not financial worry,” said Angela Thompkins, vice president for external affairs and chief diversity officer at Consumers Energy. “Through the Consumers Energy Foundation, we are proud to support Rx Kids in the city of Jackson and Blackman Township by reducing financial strain for families and helping new mothers and babies get a strong, healthy start.”
“Rx Kids is about more than just supporting families—it’s about strengthening the whole community,” said Todd Jacobs, President/CEO, Community Foundation for Muskegon County. “When we invest in children and families from the very beginning, the impact goes far beyond any one household, creating lasting economic and social benefits for everyone. Bringing this program to Muskegon reinforces our commitment to leading community philanthropy and building a vibrant community – a future where every child, and every neighborhood, has the chance to thrive.”
“The expansion of Rx Kids to Muskegon and Muskegon Heights means families will have additional support right from the start,” said Mayor Ken Johnson, City of Muskegon. “Early investments in babies and moms help strengthen families and build stronger communities.”
“We’ve seen firsthand the impact Rx Kids has had in the city of Flint, and we’re excited to bring that same support to more families across Genesee County,” said Dale Weighill, Genessee County Commissioner. “While the city has some of the highest need, many communities just outside Flint are also facing real economic hardship. Expanding Rx Kids is a smart investment that will directly supporting families and deliver strong economic returns that will benefit the entire county.”
“At Greater Flint Health Coalition, we’ve seen firsthand how Rx Kids has improved maternal and infant health outcomes in the city of Flint,” said Jim Ananich, President and CEO of the Greater Flint Health Coalition. “We hear regularly from families on how this small support during pregnancy and infancy can change their family’s trajectory. We are excited to continue to serve as Community Champion in the city of Flint and expand to additional communities later this summer, bringing this proven, effective program to more moms and babies in Genesee County.”
“Through research and participant testimonials we know RxKids is contributing to better health and wellbeing for Michigan moms, babies and families,” said Amy Zaagman, Executive Director, Michigan Council for Maternal and Child Health. “We work to ensure healthcare and services are available but challenges persist to access like transportation or parents being able to take time away from work. Entrusting parents to fill those gaps with their cash prescription is resulting in better utilization of prenatal care that directly leads to fewer preterm births and higher birthweights as well as reduced maternal stress evident in fewer referrals for postpartum depression and increased breastfeeding initiation.”
“Watching Rx Kids expand across Michigan has been one of the most joyful things I have witnessed in my career,” said Kaitlynn Lamie, President & CEO, Michigan Association of United Ways. “When we invest in babies and families from the very beginning, we are building the economic foundation that communities need to thrive for generations. The Michigan Association of United Ways celebrates every community joining this movement and every family whose future is a little brighter because of it.”
“The Rx Kids program is a powerful way to improve health outcomes for both moms and babies,” said Norm Hess, Executive Director, Michigan Association for Local Public Health. “When families have extra financial support during pregnancy and a baby’s first year, moms are better able to access care, manage stress, and have healthier pregnancies. That leads to stronger births and healthier babies. It’s a simple, effective approach that gives families what they need to get off to a healthy start and helps build healthier communities overall.”
“At 211, we hear daily from families facing challenging situations and direct them to available support in their community,” said Jennie Pollak, Executive Director, Michigan 2-1-1. “We’re honored to participate in the Rx Kids Selection Committee and be part of bringing Rx Kids to new communities!”
“Rx Kids represents what’s possible when we lead with trust, dignity, and a deep belief in families,” said Dr. Renee Canady, CEO of MPHI. “By providing unconditional support during pregnancy and the earliest months of life, we’re helping parents breathe easier, babies get a healthier start, and communities grow stronger. As Rx Kids expands across Michigan this spring and summer, we’re celebrating a bold, evidence‑informed investment in families—and the powerful partnerships that make this work real.”
