By: Kari Radjewski, director of Marketing & Communications
Every child deserves a healthy start, but not every mother has the support needed to make that possible. At the Children’s Foundation, we want all kids to have a fair chance to grow up healthy — a wish we share with expectant moms. But some moms face big challenges, like finding nutritious food, safe housing, and healthcare for themselves and their babies, which are essential to the long-term health and wellbeing of the child.
That’s why we believe in our partnership with Rx Kids, an organization pioneering a program aiming to improve the health of pregnant mothers and newborns by providing them with unconditional cash prescriptions. By offering this type of support without requiring proof of income, Rx Kids reduces stigma and barriers, helping families to focus on giving their babies the best possible start in life.
Raising a child is expensive, especially during the first year of life. Supporting a baby’s needs is essential to brain development, physical health and immune system, emotional resilience and mental health – and studies show that with good early health, they are more likely to perform well academically.
With support of state and philanthropic funders, including a $50,000 grant from the Foundation, in 2024, Rx Kids set a goal to provide 1,200 expectant mothers in Flint, Michigan – one of the poorest cities in the country – with a one-time allowance of $1,500 during their pregnancy. Upon the birth of the child, mothers will receive $6000, distributed as $500 monthly throughout their baby’s first year.
This means that for the nearly 70% of households in Flint with an income under $10,000, Rx Kids will expand the family’s financial capacity to care for their baby by 75%.
“Infant health is essential because it sets the foundation for a child’s long-term physical, cognitive, and emotional development,” said Mona Hanna, Rx Kids founder and director and Michigan State University pediatrician and professor. “This program intends to be transformational for economically vulnerable families, so that children can thrive during a critical phase of growth.”
Financial support alleviates pressure on the family, so they can be better caretakers. Early surveys show that families receiving the cash transfers are more confident in their parenting and are using the funds for critical needs such as healthcare, housing, transportation, formula, and proper child equipment such as cribs, strollers, and car seats, to keep their babies safe.
“Being part of Rx Kids has reduced my stress with the knowledge of some sort of financial cushion that can make sure I at least have a roof over my and my children’s head,” said Joan, a Flint mom.
Rx Kids and its partners are leading the way toward a future where every child has the opportunity to grow up healthy, supported, and ready to thrive. By giving families important financial assistance at the earliest stages of their child’s life, we are breaking the cycle of poverty that too often impacts health for generations.
As Rx Kids plans to expand to Kalamazoo and other Michigan communities next year, ready to reach more families. Philanthropic organizations play a critical role in catalyzing programs like Rx Kids, driving innovation, and providing the financial resources needed to create meaningful change. By investing in preventative, family-centered solutions, the Children’s Foundation is bridging gaps in Michigan communities with limited access to essential services.
The Foundation’s $50,000 grant awarded to Rx Kids represents more than just funding; it’s a commitment to building a healthier future for kids in Michigan. Partnerships like this exemplify the power of direct, community-centered solutions to transform lives.
Together, through thoughtful and strategic grantmaking that addresses the greatest challenges facing kids, we can ensure that all of Michigan’s children can thrive.
