As a bold response to the health and economic challenges facing new mothers and infants, Wayne County launched its Rx Kids initiative on Monday, November 10, backed by a $7.5 million county investment.
“As the top elected official in Wayne County, there was no way I could just sit here and not do anything about the health care crisis that too many of our residents are facing,” said Wayne County Executive Warren C. Evans. “Rx Kids can’t solve the entire problem, but it will certainly relieve a significant amount of the burden for quite a few.”
In partnership with Michigan State University’s Rx Kids program, the Wayne County effort launched in six communities: River Rouge, Hamtramck, Highland Park, Inkster, Melvindale, and Dearborn.
These cities were selected based on two key factors:
- Public health jurisdiction: Wayne County HHVS serves communities that do not have their own municipal health department. The City of Detroit, while within Wayne County, has an independent health department that manages programs for Detroit residents. Because of that, Detroit was not eligible under the county-administered Rx Kids launch.
- Need: The six selected municipalities are among those with the highest child poverty rates in the county, where families face compounding challenges related to health, housing, and access to care.
Eligible expectant mothers in these communities can now apply to receive $1,500 during pregnancy and $500 per month for the first six months of their child’s life.
The launch follows a major announcement from state lawmakers approving a $250 million investment in Rx Kids within the 2025–2026 state budget, expanding the program statewide and offering much-needed financial relief to families during such a critical time.
With nearly 1 in 3 children living below the poverty line, Wayne County has one of the highest child poverty rates in Michigan, a condition that creates lasting barriers to health, education, and opportunity. In partnership with the Wayne County Health Department, Rx Kids delivers direct support during the most critical stage of a child’s development, helping families stabilize and thrive.
Originally launched in Flint, Michigan in 2024, Rx Kids has reached more than 3,900 families with $17 million in direct cash support. The addition of six Wayne County cities brings the program to 17 high-need communities across Michigan, both urban and rural.
Participating areas have reported near-universal enrollment and significant improvements in maternal and infant health outcomes.
“This is about taking the most direct, efficient and impactful approach to serving those most in need in as timely a manner as we were able to do so,” Evans said. “I might add that contributing to the health of a child that otherwise might have faced daunting challenges is about the best holiday gift I can imagine. Not only for the mother and child, but for those of us who were able to help them.”
