Enrollment opens for residents in the City of Jackson and Blackman Charter Township 

Rx Kids, the nation’s first-ever community-wide prenatal and infant cash prescription program, is open for enrollment to the residents in the City of Jackson and Blackman Charter Township in Jackson County.

Rx Kids is a place-based program designed to improve maternal and infant health by addressing the economic hardship families face during pregnancy and infancy. Eligible families in the City of Jackson and Blackman Charter Township will receive $1,500 during pregnancy and $500 per month for the first 6 months of a child’s life.

“Rx Kids is reimagining what it means to care for families,” said Dr. Mona Hanna, Director of Rx Kids and Associate Dean of Public Health at the Michigan State University College of Human Medicine. “We know that where a baby is born should never determine their chance at a healthy life. We are proud to bring this proven maternal and infant health program into Jackson County and stand alongside families as they build healthier futures.”

In the City of Jackson and Blackman Charter Township, where around 630 babies are born each year, the initiative is made possible thanks to support from the State of Michigan, Center for Family Health, Community Action Agency, Consumers Energy Foundation, Dawn Food Corporate Giving Program, Henry Ford Jackson Hospital, Jackson Community Foundation, United Way of South Central Michigan, and the City of Jackson. 

“I was happy to support Michigan’s critical investment in Rx Kids last budget season,” said State Senator Sue Shink. “Raising a baby is more expensive than ever, and this groundbreaking program gives every family a strong start.”

“Supporting families starts with supporting moms and babies,” said State Representative Kathy Schmaltz. “I’m committed to advancing state programs that provide meaningful support to mothers and their children—while protecting taxpayer dollars—because families are the foundation of our state’s future.”

Rx Kids is led by Michigan State University and administered by GiveDirectly.  The Center for Family Health will serve as the local Community Champion, supporting outreach, engagement, and celebration. Jackson Community Foundation will serve as local fiduciary and welcomes contributions to ensure the sustainability of the program. The City of Jackson and Blackman Charter Township will launch the prenatal plus 6 month version of the program. 

“Rx Kids is about supporting families during one of the most critical times in their lives,” said Sara Benedetto, CEO, Center for Family Health. “By increasing economic stability, we are investing in families and partnering with them to support improved health and well‑being for both parents and children. Center for Family Health is honored to be working alongside our community, working together to make a difference.”

Direct support from Rx Kids helps families cover essentials like diapers, formula, rent, and transportation to prenatal care, reducing financial stress and supporting healthier pregnancies and early childhood outcomes. 

“Welcoming a baby should be an experience filled with hope – not worry,” said Angela Thompkins, Vice President for External affairs and Chief Diversity Officer at Consumers Energy.  “Through the Consumers Energy Foundation, we are proud to support Rx Kids in the city of Jackson and Blackman Township by reducing financial strain for families and helping new mothers and babies get a strong, healthy start.”

A recent peer-reviewed study published in The Lancet Public Health provides rigorous, population-level evidence that Rx Kids improves birth outcomes. The study found that in Flint, the program was associated with significant reductions in preterm birth and low birthweight, along with fewer admissions to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). The findings demonstrate that direct support during pregnancy and infancy can lead to measurable improvements in maternal and infant health. 

The program has also demonstrated improvements in family financial stability, reduced child welfare investigations, improved maternal mental health and meaningful economic benefits, with millions of dollars flowing directly into local businesses and communities. 

“Serving as the fiduciary for Rx Kids, the Jackson Community Foundation is excited to support a bold, evidence‑based approach that puts families first,” said Monica Moser, President and CEO, Jackson Community Foundation. “We’re proud to partner with the Center for Family Health and all the champions across our community working with our families, moms and babies in the City of Jackson and Blackman Charter Township. This is our opportunity to help drive lasting impact for our community and making sure our newest residents know how much we appreciate them.”

The launch follows a previous announcement by Governor Gretchen Whitmer that this life-changing maternal and infant health program will roll out to an additional 20 communities this summer, bringing the total to more than 60 communities statewide, reaching over 23,000 births each year. Enrollment also begins today for residents in the Cities of Muskegon and Muskegon Heights in Muskegon County, and the City of Galesburg and Oshtemo and Wakeshma Townships in Kalamazoo County.

Eligible participants must be at least 16 weeks pregnant at enrollment, and newborns must be born on or after June 1, 2026. To learn more or enroll, visit RxKids.org.