Groundbreaking program to bring financial relief to families beginning December 1
Representatives gather at Ypsilanti City Hall to announce the launch of Rx Kids
Rx Kids, in partnership with the City of Ypsilanti, today announced the expansion of its groundbreaking mom and baby cash prescription program to the City of Ypsilanti. Launching December 1, 2025, the program will provide $1,500 during pregnancy and $500 per month throughout the baby’s first six months of life—no strings attached.
“Rx Kids is a bold investment in our families and our future,” said 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.”
Rx Kids was created to support families 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, and childcare.
“Across the state, we are already seeing the tremendous impact of Rx Kids—healthier moms, thriving babies, and families with a little more breathing room,” said Dr. Mona Hanna, director of Rx Kids and associate dean for public health at Michigan State University. “This success is exactly why we’re so excited to bring the program to the City of Ypsilanti and many more communities across the state. Every baby deserves a strong start, and every family deserves the support to make that possible.”
Originally launched in Flint in 2024, Rx Kids has already reached more than 3,800 families with $16 million in direct cash support. In a historic move, the State of Michigan recently committed $270 million to expand the program to more communities over the next three years.
“Right now, starting a family is more expensive than ever, which is why the Rx Kids program is such a game-changer — helping new parents afford groceries, rent, and all the supplies it takes to care for their baby,” said State Senator Jeff Irwin (D-Ann Arbor). “Both the data and stories from those who’ve benefited from the program firsthand show us this program truly works, and works well, which is why my Senate Democratic colleagues and I were proud to secure funds in past budget cycles for its expansion. I’m thrilled that Rx Kids has now expanded its reach to Ypsilanti and look forward to seeing the impact it’ll have on the health and well-being of our moms and babies in the weeks, months, and years ahead.”
“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.”
Rx Kids is a program of the Michigan State University Pediatric Public Health Initiative, in collaboration with Poverty Solutions at the University of Michigan, and administered by GiveDirectly. The expansion to the City of Ypsilanti is made possible through the support of the State of Michigan, the City of Ypsilanti, Song Foundation, Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation, and Old National Bank.
“Rx Kids is a powerful example of what’s possible when the public and private sectors come together to meet urgent community needs,” said Linh Song, Chair of the Song Foundation. “Place-based philanthropy has stepped up as a steady partner—one that isn’t swayed by political cycles or budget battles. No matter the moment, philanthropy can and should remain committed to the long game: supporting families, strengthening communities, and investing in the future.”
Enrollment opens December 1, 2025, for pregnant women and families with infants born on or after that date who reside in the City of Ypsilanti. For more information and to apply, visit RxKids.org.