Dr. Mona Hanna greets a mom and baby who are part of the Rx Kids program in their community.
Rx Kids, in partnership with the Central Michigan District Health Department (CMDHD), today announced the launch of its transformative cash prescription program in Clare County. As the nation’s first community-wide initiative to provide direct financial support to pregnant women and babies, Rx Kids will offer eligible mothers $1,500 during pregnancy and $500 per month throughout the baby’s first six months of life—no-strings-attached.
Originally launched in Flint, Michigan in 2024, Rx Kids has already expanded to Kalamazoo, Pontiac, and five counties in the Eastern Upper Peninsula. Clare County now becomes the ninth community in the state, and the first Central Michigan community to join this innovative effort to improve maternal and infant health and reduce childhood poverty.
“Every baby deserves a healthy start, and every parent deserves the dignity and support to provide it,” said Dr. Mona Hanna, director of Rx Kids and associate dean of public health at Michigan State University College of Human Medicine. “Rx Kids is a bold investment in our youngest residents and their families—one that pays dividends in health, hope, and opportunity. We’re thrilled to bring this life-changing program to Clare County.”
Rx Kids is led by Michigan State University Pediatric Public Health Initiative, in collaboration with Poverty Solutions at the University of Michigan, and administered by GiveDirectly. The Central Michigan District Health Department will lead local outreach and engagement efforts to ensure families in Clare County are aware of and connected to the program.
“Families across our region work hard, but the cost of preparing for a baby can be overwhelming,” said Steve Hall, CMDHD Health Officer. “Rx Kids will give parents breathing room—whether that’s helping with rent, baby supplies, or simply reducing stress. This program is about giving families a fair start.”
Efficient and effective, Rx Kids is already making an impact across a broad range of outcomes including family financial stability and maternal and infant health. Additionally, according to a recent survey of Rx Kids participants:
- Nearly 90% of moms say the program has helped them make ends meet.
- 86% of pregnant participants attended at least one prenatal care appointment.
- 96% of infants attended at least one pediatric visit.
“From the first time I heard about Rx Kids, I knew I wanted to bring it to my district,” said State Senator Roger Hauck. “It’s exactly the kind of smart, family-first program that reflects our values here in Central Michigan —without growing bureaucracy. I’m proud to help bring it to Clare County, where it will strengthen our communities and help more families build their future right here at home.”
“Rx Kids supports families at a critical time, strengthening our local economy, and keeping more young families rooted right here in mid-Michigan,” said State Representative Tom Kunse. “I’m proud that the State of Michigan has stepped up to support families through Rx Kids. I want to thank my colleagues for their bipartisan commitment to making Michigan more affordable and improving health outcomes for moms and babies—especially in rural communities. This is the most efficient way to help our community—targeted, meaningful support without growing government. We’re not expanding bureaucracy; we’re investing directly in families.”
Current funding will support approximately 300 families in Clare County annually. The launch in Clare County is made possible through a public-private partnership supported by the State of Michigan and regional philanthropic organizations, including the Clare Community Foundation and MyMichigan Health. Rx Kids is available to pregnant mothers and babies born on or after August 1, 2025. Families in Clare County can learn more and apply by visiting RxKids.org