Flint’s program supporting Black mothers & newborns reaches major milestone

The City of Flint has announced that the Rx Kids program has reached a milestone of $2 million in cash prescribed to over 800 families.

Based at Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, the Rx Kids program is designed to support pregnant mothers and newborns, providing crucial financial resources to ensure a healthy start in life. The $2 million milestone underscores the program’s mission to empower women, improve health outcomes, and create a brighter future for Flint’s children.

Rx Kids Program: What it is & why it matters

Black babies are nearly four times more likely to die from complications related to low birth weight than white babies, and Black women are three times more at risk of dying from pregnancy-related causes. To address these disparities, Rx Kids provides pregnant mothers in Flint with $1,500 mid-pregnancy and $500 per month for the first year after the baby is born. This financial support is aimed at covering essential needs such as food, prenatal care, rent, and childcare, helping to elevate families out of poverty and ensuring long-term economic stability.

“The success of Rx Kids and the $2 million in cash prescribed milestone showcases Flint’s resilient spirit and commitment to building a brighter future for our youngest residents,” Flint Mayor Sheldon Neeley said. “Thanks to Dr. Mona and the dedicated team behind Rx Kids, Flint is leading the way in transforming how we support our families. This program is not just about financial aid; it’s about giving our children the best possible start in life, ensuring healthier outcomes for generations to come.”

Research highlights that monthly cash transfers to low-income families significantly enhance infants’ cognitive development during their formative years. These benefits extend into adulthood, with recipients experiencing improved health, educational attainment, nutritional status, increased lifetime earnings, and reduced rates of anxiety and depression. The Rx Kids program aims to serve as a model for other communities, demonstrating how targeted financial support can drive significant improvements in public health and economic outcomes.

Rx Kids is the first citywide universal maternal and infant cash prescription program in the country. The program is a collaborative effort involving Flint parents, community organizations, and national experts, including MSU-Hurley Pediatric Public Health Initiative, University of Michigan Poverty Solutions, and GiveDirectly.

With support from the recently passed State of Michigan budget, Rx Kids plans to expand this groundbreaking program to additional Michigan communities.