Rx Kids, a cash-assistance program for expectant mothers and babies, launched in Flint over a year ago under the leadership of Dr. Mona Hanna, a Flint pediatrician. The program has provided over $6 million directly to families in need, giving $1,500 during mid-pregnancy and $500 monthly for the first year of an infant’s life. “We are improving the family’s ability to keep a roof over their head, food on their table and care for their children. And Rx Kids is helping our families succeed at, really, the hardest job in the world, and that is being a parent,” Hanna said.
The program has raised $100 million from public and private funders, including $20 million from the federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. It has now expanded to Kalamazoo, where over 200 applications have already been received since opening on February 12, and will launch in the eastern Upper Peninsula on March 3. The expansion is significant for Michigan’s most vulnerable families, particularly in rural communities where access to resources is often limited.
State Senator John Damoose, representing the Upper Peninsula, acknowledged the often-overlooked struggles of rural communities. “There’s a lot of need, certainly, in our big cities but there’s also a lot of support systems that often don’t exist in areas like ours and I can tell you, our people up here are suffering because of inflation, because of lack of services. They need some help.” The program will support about 600 babies annually in Chippewa, Luce, Mackinac, Alger, and Schoolcraft counties.
Housing costs, job insecurity, and inflation have hit families hard, making programs like Rx Kids critical for economic stability. The program helps families avoid the pitfalls of financial strain that often push them into crisis, creating a safety net that allows them to prioritize their children’s well-being without bureaucratic red tape.
Damoose added, “I’ve had people who came up to me and said, ‘wait a second, you’re a Republican and you’re supporting a cash giveaway to parents.’ Well, of course I am. This is a great idea.” His comments underscore a shifting perspective among some conservative lawmakers who recognize the economic and social benefits of direct assistance programs.
State Senator Ed McBroom also supports Rx Kids but advocates for income restrictions, saying, “If a couple is considering whether or not to have children and the financial hardship is part of that calculation, this program can offset those concerns and give people hope that they can indeed afford to have more children and raise a family.” His remarks reflect concerns about long-term sustainability, but also signal an understanding that economic stability contributes to population growth, something Michigan has struggled with for years.
Democratic State Representative Julie Rogers pointed to the 39% ALICE population in Kalamazoo County, where many families are above the federal poverty line but still struggle with basic needs. “We are trusting mothers, we are trusting families to decide what is best for them and their family and situation,” Rogers said. That trust is a key component of Rx Kids’ model—allowing families to determine how best to use the financial support rather than imposing restrictions that can limit its impact.
The impact of Rx Kids for families in underserved communities is profound. Families who have historically faced economic instability now have a lifeline that helps them manage everyday expenses. This direct cash assistance allows parents to provide essentials like food, clothing, and safe housing without the constant stress of making ends meet. For many, the program creates a foundation of stability, giving them the chance to focus on their children’s well-being and development.
In underserved communities where resources are often scarce, Rx Kids offers more than financial support—it offers dignity and autonomy. Parents are empowered to make the best choices for their families without navigating complex assistance programs. This initiative demonstrates that investing directly in families can break cycles of poverty, improve quality of life, and give children a stronger start. As Rx Kids expands, it signals a growing recognition that uplifting families in underserved communities is essential for broader societal progress.
Flint Senator John Cherry emphasized the importance of starting the program in Flint due to high poverty rates, stating, “The goal is not for it to end at Flint. The goal is: we want to make sure that we’re helping all these mothers and babies.” More than 1,400 families in Flint have received support through Rx Kids. Expansions to Wayne and Oakland counties are expected later this year, bringing the program to some of Michigan’s most populous areas.
Cherry’s comments reflect a broader push for expanding direct cash assistance beyond crisis situations and into long-term policy solutions that help stabilize families. Programs like Rx Kids challenge outdated welfare narratives, offering a new approach that focuses on dignity and choice rather than restrictions and oversight.
Applications for Kalamazoo opened on February 12 for expectant mothers and babies born on or after February 1. Applications for the Upper Peninsula will open on March 3 for those expecting or with babies born on or after March 1. More details are available at rxkids.org.
The success of Rx Kids is part of a growing movement nationwide that seeks to provide direct cash assistance to families as a way to combat poverty and strengthen communities. By removing bureaucratic barriers, programs like these recognize that families themselves are best equipped to determine their own needs.
Bipartisan support for the program signals that lawmakers across the aisle see potential in this model, though many remain cautious, waiting to see measurable results before committing additional funding. The expansion to Kalamazoo and the Upper Peninsula represents a major step forward, but whether Rx Kids can secure sustained investment will depend on its outcomes over the next several years.
Families who have received payments through Rx Kids report improved financial stability, less stress, and a greater ability to care for their children. For many, this program isn’t just about money—it’s about having the breathing room to be the parents they want to be without the constant fear of financial collapse.
With continued expansion, Rx Kids could become a model for other states looking to implement direct cash assistance for families. The impact is already visible, but its long-term future will depend on whether lawmakers choose to prioritize family economic stability as a key issue. Michigan is watching, and so is the rest of the country.