Rx Kids, in partnership with the Central Michigan District Health Department (CMDHD), today announced the launch of its transformative cash prescription program in Gladwin and Roscommon counties. Enrollment also opens today in the City of Ypsilanti, bringing Rx Kids to a total of 20 Michigan communities.
Originally launched in Flint, Michigan in 2024, Rx Kids has already reached more than 4,300 families with over $18 million in direct cash support. Thanks to historic commitment from the State of Michigan, the program is rapidly expanding to high-need communities across the state. In August, Rx Kids launched in Clare County, the first mid-Michigan community to receive the program. This expansion marks a continued partnership with the Community Champion, CMDHD, to reach more communities in the region.
“By expanding to Roscommon and Gladwin counties and the City of Ypsilanti, Rx Kids now serves 20 communities across Michigan in only two years. We’ve already prescribed close to $20 million in cash to moms and babies, strengthening families and improving health,” said Dr. Mona Hanna, Rx Kids Director and Associate Dean of Public Health at Michigan State University. “Thanks to bipartisan support, this work is spreading quickly across both rural and urban communities, and we are just getting started.”
Rx Kids is the nation’s first-ever community-wide prenatal and infant cash prescription program, providing direct financial support to pregnant women and babies. The program was designed to address the economic shock that accompanies childbirth, a time when income often drops and expenses surge. At the same time, this period marks a critical window for child development which can shape lifelong health and productivity.
“Across our communities, families are doing their best to provide for their children, but the costs that come with a new baby can add up quickly,” said Steve Hall, CMDHD Health Officer. “By expanding Rx Kids, we’re helping parents meet those early expenses and create a stronger foundation for their growing families.”
With nearly 100% enrollment, the program has already demonstrated significant impacts on families, including improvements in prenatal care utilization, maternal mental health and wellbeing, infant health, civic engagement, and local economic revitalization. Collectively, these results highlight how early economic support can transform lives and reshape the health of entire communities.
“Launching Rx Kids in Roscommon County is about making sure families have the support they need at the most critical time in their lives,” said State Rep. Borton (R-105). “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.”
Beginning December 1, pregnant mothers in Roscommon and Gladwin counties, and the City of Ypsilanti can apply to receive $1,500 during pregnancy and $500 per month for the first six months of their child’s life. To learn about eligibility requirements and to apply, residents can go to RxKids.org.
“When Rx Kids launched in Clare County this August, I was delighted to see nearly 100 families enroll in just the first few months,” said State Sen. Roger Hauck (R‑34). “That success shows the real impact of family‑first programs that strengthen communities without growing bureaucracy. I am excited to see Rx Kids now extended to families in Gladwin County, where it will continue to empower parents, protect children, and help build a stronger future right here at home.”
“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,” said State Rep. Hoadley (R-99). “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.”
Rx Kids is a program of Michigan State University Pediatric Public Health Initiative, in collaboration with Poverty Solutions at the University of Michigan and administered by GiveDirectly. The initiative is made possible in Gladwin and Roscommon Counties thanks to generous support from the State of Michigan and a growing family funders and supporters, including the Skyline Foundation.
As previously announced, Rx Kids is also launching in the City of Ypsilanti on December 1st. The City of Ypsilanti serves as the Community Champion and support is provided by the State of Michigan, the City of Ypsilanti, Song Foundation, Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation, and Old National Bank.
“Rx Kids is a bold investment in our families and our future,” said City of Ypsilanti Mayor Nicole Brown. “We’re proud to bring this program to the City of Ypsilanti and ensure every child has the opportunity to thrive from day one.”
To learn more about Rx Kids expansion in Michigan, interested communities are invited to join our upcoming webinars on December 10 or 15.
