Residents of the City of Saginaw, Bridgeport and Buena Vista Townships will soon be eligible for Rx Kids
In partnership with Saginaw County Health Department and BWellSaginaw, Michigan State University’s Rx Kids program announced the launch in the City of Saginaw, Bridgeport and Buena Vista Townships. Beginning on January 12, pregnant mothers in these communities can apply to receive $1,500 during pregnancy and $500 per month for the first six months of their child’s life.
Originally launched in Flint in 2024, Rx Kids has already reached more than 5,000 families with over $20 million in direct support. Michigan lawmakers made a historic $250 million investment in the 2025–2026 state budget to expand the program across the state. Despite recent setbacks from the House Appropriations Committee’s decision to pull back 2024-2025 funding—which could limit support for 6,000 Michigan babies—Rx Kids is working to expand and ensure moms and babies across the state receive the support they need as quickly and efficiently as ever.
“We’ve been working hand-in-hand with Saginaw’s leadership for some time to make this possible, so I am thrilled to start 2026 with this launch of Rx Kids in these three communities,” said Dr. Mona Hanna, director of Rx Kids and associate dean of public health at Michigan State University College of Human Medicine. “This proven, efficient program will bring vital support to moms and babies and is just the beginning of the expansion we have planned for this year.”
With nearly full enrollment, communities participating in Rx Kids are seeing dramatic improvements in both family financial stability and maternal and infant health, including fewer premature and low birth weight babies and reduced NICU admissions. Recent research shows a reduction in infant maltreatment allegations, alongside strengthened maternal mental health and improved access to care. These outcomes highlight that direct relief to families has a multiplier effect, improving health outcomes, saving millions in health care costs, and fueling local economic growth that strengthens small businesses, entire communities, and ultimately the state.
“Rx Kids reflects what public health evidence has been telling us for decades: when families have stability, health follows,” said Christina Harrington, Health Officer, Saginaw County Health Department and BWellSaginaw. “Offering this program to all moms in three Saginaw County communities significantly strengthens the impact of what we are collectively doing to improve maternal and child health including prenatal care, WIC, home visiting and early childhood services.”
“Strong communities are built by investing in people early. Rx Kids recognizes that supporting mothers and infants from the start improves health, reduces future costs, and creates better outcomes across a child’s lifetime,” said State Rep. O’Neal (D-94). “It’s the kind of practical, evidence-based policy I’ve seen succeed in both local government and state budgeting.”
Rx Kids is a program led by Michigan State University and administered by GiveDirectly. Local Community Champion, Saginaw County Health Department, will support outreach, engagement, and celebration. The initiative is made possible thanks to funding from the State of Michigan, Saginaw Community Foundation through the Bay/ Saginaw Health Plan Donor Advised Fund, TriStar Trust Foundation, Covenant HealthCare, and a generous group of private donors.
Enrollment will open at 9 am on January 12, 2026, for people living in the City of Saginaw, Bridgeport, and Buena Vista Townships. 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.
