Detroit becomes a national model for eliminating poverty and improving health
Today, Mayor Mary Sheffield made it official: Michigan State University’s Rx Kids program has officially launched in the City of Detroit, marking the life-changing programs’ 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—reaching families at scale and positioning Detroit as one of the most baby-friendly cities in the nation.
Starting today, applications for Detroit families are open at RxKids.org, which also is linked to from the front of the City of Detroit website at DetroitMi.gov.
The launch of Rx Kids in Detroit fulfills Mayor Mary Sheffield’s first major commitment as mayor. Rx Kids was her first announcement upon taking office, accompanied by a promise to bring the program to Detroit within her first 100 days—a promise now delivered.
The announcement took place at a 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. The celebration marked a historic moment for the city, honoring the strength, love, and resilience of the city’s moms and babies.
“Rx Kids was my first announcement as mayor because supporting babies and families is foundational to Detroit’s future,” said Mary Sheffield, Mayor of Detroit. “I promised Detroiters that we would provide every baby born in our city with this direct financial support so they can have the best chance at a good start in life. Today, we are delivering on that promise.”
Enrollment for Rx Kids Detroit is now live at RxKids.org and open to all City of Detroit families who are expecting (must be at least 16 weeks pregnant) or with a 2026 newborn. The eligibility in Detroit starts for January 1, 2026 newborns, aligning with the start of Mayor Sheffield’s term. Once verified, families receive $1500 prenatally and $500 per month for a baby’s first six months.
“Bringing Rx Kids to Detroit is a powerful milestone for this program ” 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. “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 entire 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 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, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the next major expansion of Rx Kids will extend the program across the rest of 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 giving moms and babies the support they need to thrive,” said Governor Whitmer. “Rx Kids is an innovative, bipartisan program designed to improve health outcomes and reduce child poverty, the first of its kind in the country. With today’s official launch in Detroit and the announcement of Rx Kids’ coming expansion across the entire Upper Peninsula, we’re working together to help Michigan families, whether they live in our largest city or our smallest towns, raise their children with confidence. We’ll stay focused on investing in Michigan’s children this year, building on our work to deliver preK for all, free school meals, and a tuition-free path to a degree and a good-paying job. In Michigan, we believe that every kid deserves a bright future.”
With the Detroit launch and the newly announced Upper Peninsula expansion, Michigan continues to set the national standard for innovative, efficient, evidence-informed policy that improves health outcomes, strengthens families, and builds stronger communities.
“The launch of Rx Kids in Detroit represents what it looks like when a public university fully steps into its responsibility to serve the people of Michigan,” said Kevin Guskiewicz, PhD, president of Michigan State University. “By leading Rx Kids, MSU’s College of Human Medicine is translating research into real-world impact—advancing public health, equity, and opportunity at scale. This evidence-based program, grounded in dignity, demonstrates how universities can move beyond study to action and help ensure a healthier start for families.”
A model of efficiency and program integrity, Rx Kids is led by Michigan State University and administered by GiveDirectly, the global leader in cash transfers. The initiative is made possible thanks to the leadership of Mayor Sheffield and the City of Detroit serving as the local Community Champion, supporting outreach, engagement, and celebration.
As a public-private partnership, Rx Kids is funded through both public investment and philanthropic leadership. In a historic bipartisan commitment, the State of Michigan invested $250 million to expand the program to additional high-need communities over the next three years. Although a recent House Appropriations Committee decision to reduce 2024–2025 funding may temporarily limit expansion for up to 6,000 Michigan babies, Rx Kids continues to progress, collaborating with partners across sectors to ensure mothers and babies receive timely, effective support when it matters most.
Philanthropic, corporate and other champions supporting Rx Kids in Detroit include the City of Detroit, The Skillman Foundation, W.K. Kellogg Foundation, The Kresge Foundation, Skyline Foundation, Ballmer Group, General Motors, Jamie and Denise Jacob Family Foundation, Max M. & Marjorie S. Fisher Foundation, Community Foundation of Southeast Michigan, Huntington Bank, Children’s Foundation of Michigan, Blue Cross Blue Shield Foundation of Michigan, and United Way for Southeastern Michigan. GreenLight Fund Detroit served as a catalytic funder, helping to bring Rx Kids to Detroit. Additional funding opportunities remain to support Rx Kids.
For more information, to donate, and to apply, visit RxKids.org.
