Program that supports families during pregnancy and infancy expands

Health

Apr 30

Written By Staff

Michigan State University’s Rx Kids program will expand to 20 new communities this summer. This expansion builds on growing momentum across Michigan and reflects a historic bipartisan investment to bring Rx Kids to more families over the next three years.

Rx Kids is a place-based program designed to improve maternal and infant health at a population level by addressing the profound economic hardship families face during pregnancy and infancy, the most financially vulnerable time for many households. Families living in Rx Kids communities receive a one-time $1,500 payment during mid-pregnancy and $500 per month during infancy. For thousands of Michigan families, this support means help with diapers, formula, rent, and getting to prenatal care.

Enrollment opens June 1, 2026 for Muskegon and Muskegon Heights. Enrollment opens July 1, 2026 for zip code 49507, Kent County.

“Every mom and baby deserves the support they need to get off to a strong start,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “In Michigan, we’re leading the nation in support of moms and babies through Rx Kids, a first‑of‑its‑kind program that is improving health outcomes, putting money in Michiganders’ pockets, and giving families a fighting chance to thrive. I’m proud to see Rx Kids launch in 20 additional Michigan communities this summer. Let’s keep working together to make Michigan the best state to start and raise a family.”

Launched in Flint in 2024, Rx Kids is now operating in 42 Michigan communities across urban and rural parts of the state, including recent launches in the City of Detroit and the entire Upper Peninsula. This summer’s expansion will bring Rx Kids to more than 60 communities statewide, reaching over 23,000 births each year.

“Expanding Rx Kids to more communities across Michigan is a powerful example of what’s possible when we invest in families from the very beginning,” saidKevin Guskiewicz, President,Michigan State University. “This program is already demonstrating meaningful impact—supporting healthier pregnancies, stronger early childhood outcomes, and more stable communities. Michigan State University is proud to be part of this work, and we are grateful to the Governor and legislative partners who recognize that supporting our youngest residents is an investment in the long-term strength of our state.”

Rx Kids enrollment will open in the following communities in summer 2026, with local launch events to welcome families and celebrate this investment in moms and babies:

“In October 2025, the legislature passed a bipartisan budget investing $250 million over three years to complement annual state TANF and private funds to expand this proven and efficient maternal and infant health program across Michigan,” said Dr. Mona Hanna, Director of Rx Kids and Associate Dean of Public Health at the Michigan State University College of Human Medicine. “We quickly engaged baby champions across the state, raised the additional match needed for this public-private partnership, and are now delivering this transformative support for moms and babies to thousands of Michigan families.”

In the cities of Muskegon and Muskegon Heights, the initiative is made possible by support from the State of Michigan, the City of Muskegon, the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, and many individual donors. The City of Muskegon will serve as the local Community Champion, supporting outreach, engagement, and celebration. The Community Foundation for Muskegon County will serve as the local fiduciary and welcomes contributions to support the program's sustainability. The Cities of Muskegon and Muskegon Heights will launch the prenatal plus six-month version of the program, reaching approximately 580 births each year.

For the approximately 640 annual births in Kent County 49507, the initiative is made possible thanks to support from the State of Michigan, Amway, City of Grand Rapids, Grand Rapids Community Foundation, Heart of West Michigan United Way, Jandernoa Foundation, KRW Foundation, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Peter C. & Emajean Cook Foundation, Steelcase Foundation, W.K. Kellogg Foundation, and Wege Foundation. First Steps Kent will serve as the local Community Champion, supporting outreach, engagement, and celebration. The Grand Rapids Community Foundation will serve as the local fiduciary and welcomes contributions to support the program's sustainability. The prenatal plus six-month version of the program will launch in 49507.

To learn more, visit RxKids.org.

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