A recent survey conducted by Rx Kids provides valuable insights into how Rx Kids is improving the lives of city of Flint families.
Rx Kids is a first-of-its-kind program that has prescribed $5.7 million to over 1,300 Flint moms and babies. The cash prescription administrator, GiveDirectly, conducts biannual, non-incentivized surveys to Rx Kids participants who have received a cash transfer within the past 30 days. These surveys are voluntary and offer real-time insights into the program’s impact. The survey includes both multiple-response and open-ended questions, thus providing a wealth of information about participants’ experiences with the Rx Kids program. Survey questions address a variety of topics, including accessibility, ease of accessing payments, program trust, spending habits, financial wellness, healthcare outcomes, and how the program impacts them and their infants.
In May 2024, the first participant survey was conducted with 112 responses (56% response rate). Key insights from that survey can be found here.
This past November 2024, another participant survey was sent to 1,002 eligible participants with 534 responses (around a 53% response rate).
- Rx Kids families report very low income: 59% make under $10,000 annually, and 89% make under $30,000.
- 66% of the survey respondents are Black, 33% are white, and 4% endorsed other categories.
- The majority of Rx Kids participants are renters (55%), 16% live with others, 14% own their homes, 8% move frequently, are unhoused, or have no stable housing, and 6% fell into an “other” category.
- 39% of respondents are working full-time or part-time.
- A majority (64%) had two or more dependent children.
- The demographics (race and income) of the survey responders were similar to the demographics of all Rx Kids participants.
Key findings from the survey include:
- 88% of participants say that Rx Kids has helped them make ends meet and feel more secure in their finances
- 50% of Rx Kids participants experienced a financial shock [categories included auto (34%), rent/utilities (17%), job loss (16%), basic expenses (10%), and moving (6%)] after enrolling in Rx Kids, with 89% reporting that they used the Rx Kids money to help mitigate the shock that they experienced.
- 66% say that Rx Kids has made it easier to get the healthcare that their household needs.
- Rx Kids participants have access to necessary prenatal care and pediatric care; 86% of participants who are currently pregnant went to at least one prenatal care appointment in the past three months and 96% of participants with infants going to at least one pediatric visit in the past three months
- 84% say that the money from Rx Kids has helped them become more confident as parents.
- 71% say that the money from Rx Kids helped them take time off from work to care for themselves or their loved ones.
- 67% feel that Rx Kids has helped to improve their health and that of their infants.
Many moms report that they felt the money from Rx Kids has helped them become more confident in themselves as parents. Looking deeper at how families spend their cash prescriptions, the top five items cash is spent on include:
- Baby supplies
- Food
- Rent
- Utility bills
- Clothing
”I literally have not been able to do school and work for years and struggle[ed] with dropping out of school just to work because of bills, but thanks to [the] Rx Kids program, I can finish school. I'm a proud mother and owe it all to them.
City of Flint Mom
Open-ended questions in the participant survey share insights into how the cash is impacting moms in their own words. Overall themes include decreased stress and improved mental health, increased time and funds to spend on children, improved parenting confidence, improved infant and maternal health and health behaviors, and gratitude. Below are select responses from Rx Kids participants:
- “I have not been burdened with not having enough money for my child. The payments have been extremely helpful in taking some of the stress off of my family, especially as a first-time mom.”
- “It’s [Rx Kids] allowed me to be able to fully breastfeed my baby, rather than trying to find a new job right away and having to pump or use formula.”
- “[Rx Kids] has helped me take the time with my baby just to love her.”
- “I can afford necessities for my children and give them a couple of fun outings. I also have the ability to financially cover emergencies within my household. These relieve a lot of stress of caring for children, which makes me a better mother and affects my mental and physical health.”
- “Thanks to this program I am able to provide for my children while finishing my last GED test…and be able to work while attending college online for medical administration. I literally have not been able to do school and work for years and struggle[ed] with dropping out of school just to work because of bills, but thanks to [the] Rx Kids program, I can finish school. I’m a proud mother and owe it all to them.”
- “It [Rx Kids] enabled me to buy things my baby will continue to use as he grows.”
- “Thank you, Rx Kids, for everything. Preparing to bring a baby into this world with a low income can be very hard, but you made it easy for me and my family. This helped me spend more time with my baby and enjoy her growing up.”
- “[This program] not only allows you to be with your baby but create a healthy, happier relationship with everyone, including yourself.”
- “I have peace of mind each month that my daughter will have what she needs or wants.”
- “[Rx Kids] made me realize it’s going to get better.”
- “Baby & I are happy and taken care of with extra support from the [Rx Kids] program.”
- “In reference to my history of high-risk pregnancy, I had to leave my job to ensure I reached a healthy gestational range. My greatest concern was being able to help make ends meet for the next year or so. Rx kids help me do just that! The money was there for the formula and baby needs. It was also like a little stash of emergency money for rent or to meet bill due dates. I didn’t have to go out asking for assistance. I am able to enjoy this first year with my baby. This is something I worried about before I knew of Rx Kids.”
- “My mental space is different, so I’m happy to be happy for my baby.”
- “Gracias, mil gracias gracias por su muy valiosa ayuda.”
The findings of this participant survey, in addition to the first participant survey and early research findings, indicate – both quantitatively and qualitatively – that the implementation of Rx Kids has been successful in strengthening family financial security and improving health, hope, and opportunity.
As Rx Kids continues to grow and expand, data will continue to be analyzed, and research findings will continue to be shared. In consultation with community partners and national experts, a comprehensive, mixed-methods research and evaluation plan has been developed to determine the impact of Rx Kids, both in Flint and in expansion communities. Consistent with the extensive evidence base, we anticipate sharing positive impacts regarding maternal and infant health, disparities reduction, maternal and infant morbidity and mortality, child welfare involvement, childhood vaccinations and development, societal savings, and economic reinvestment.