Applications open for expectant mothers and babies in eight new Rx Kids communities
In partnership with District Health Department #10, Michigan State University’s Rx Kids program announced its launch in Lake County. Beginning January 12, pregnant mothers residing in Lake County can apply to receive $1,500 during pregnancy and $500 per month for the first six months of their child’s life. Enrollment also opened today for communities in Saginaw County (City of Saginaw, Bridgeport and Buena Vista Townships) and Berrien County (City of Benton Harbor, City of Niles, City of Buchanan and Benton Charter Township). Together, these new communities represent an estimated 4,000 additional babies that will be reached by Rx Kids over the next three years.
A public-private partnership, Michigan lawmakers recently announced a substantial investment in Rx Kids within the approved 2025-2026 state budget of $250 million. The state funding is matched with other support so that more families across the state will get the help they need, providing much needed relief for Michigan families at a time that can be challenging economically and is also the most crucial for child development.
“Lake County is home to many high-need communities, and we’re grateful to be able to offer meaningful support” said Dr. Mona Hanna, director of Rx Kids and associate dean of public health at the Michigan State University College of Human Medicine. “This expansion reflects our commitment to ensuring moms and babies have the necessary resources no matter where they live, and it caps an extraordinary start to 2026 as Rx Kids reaches new communities in Saginaw, Berrien, and Lake counties.”
Originally launched in Flint, Michigan in 2024, Rx Kids has expanded across the state to reach nearly 5,000 families with more than $20 million in direct cash support. With the addition of these communities, the program now serves 28 high-need communities in both urban and rural parts of the state.
“Being able to bring Rx Kids to Lake County is a huge win for our moms and babies,” said Kevin Hughes, Health Officer of District Health Department #10. “Not only is Rx Kids an investment into the health and wellbeing of Lake County’s newest families, but the direct financial support improves health outcomes and gives them a strong start.”
With nearly 100% enrollment rate, communities participating in the program are seeing dramatic improvements in maternal and infant health. Recently published research showed significant impacts on birth outcomes, with a population-level decline in the rate of premature babies and low birth weight babies, leading to a prevention of NICU admissions. The program is also making a profound impact on family financial stability, improvements in maternal mental health, and health care access. These outcomes underscore the power of economic support during the earliest stages of life and the potential for Rx Kids to reshape the health of entire communities.
“In my legislative work on workforce and education and in my spare time coaching and tutoring kids, I see how early stability sets the tone for a child’s future,” said State Representative Tom Kunse (R-100). “Rx Kids is a smart investment in that foundation. By providing direct support to new parents when it matters most, we’re helping families stay on track, supporting a stronger workforce down the road, and building healthier communities from the ground up.”
“Rx Kids is live in three counties in my district, Clare, Gladwin, and now Lake,” said State Senator Roger Hauck (R‑34). “This program provides real, tangible support to families during one of the most critical times in their lives, and it’s exactly the kind of investment that strengthens our communities and sets up our youngest residents for success.”
“The Rx Kids expansion to Lake County allows us to meet families where they are,” said Sarah Oleniczak, Deputy Health Officer of District Health Department #10. “We’re proud to support this program that will help participants meet their basic needs so they can focus on bonding with their baby.”
Rx Kids is a program led by Michigan State and administered by GiveDirectly. Local Community Champion, District Health Department #10, will support outreach, engagement, and celebration. The initiative is made possible thanks to the State of Michigan, the Donovan Family Foundation, and a generous group of individual donors.
“Our family, through the Donovan Family Foundation, is honored to contribute to this transformative effort,” said David Donovan, Co-founder of the Donovan Family Foundation. “We are deeply grateful to the State of Michigan and our legislators for recognizing the impact of Rx Kids and making such a significant investment in future generations. Michigan is leading the way with an ambitious public-private partnership to support babies and families—and that’s something we can all be proud of.”
As previously announced, Rx Kids expansion to the City of Saginaw, Bridgeport and Buena Vista townships is supported by the State of Michigan with support from the Saginaw Community Foundation through the Bay/Saginaw Health Plan Donor Advised Fund, TriStar Trust Foundation, Covenant HealthCare, and a generous group of private donors. In Berrien, support from the State of Michigan is matched by support from The Sam Fund at the Indianapolis Foundation, Berrien Community Foundation, and Corewell Health Lakeland. Additional funders are invited to support the program at RxKids.org.
Enrollment is open for residents of Lake County, Saginaw County (City of Saginaw, Bridgeport and Buena Vista Townships), and Berrien County (City of Benton Harbor, City of Niles, City of Buchanan and Benton Charter Township). All expectant mothers must be at least 16 weeks pregnant at the time of enrollment or have an infant born on or after January 1, 2026. Families can learn more and apply at RxKids.org.
