Innovative New Pilot Program Led by Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha Will Provide Unprecedented Support and Opportunities for Moms and Babies
Flint, Michigan, has faced many hardships in recent years — from job losses to the devastating health crisis stemming from lead contamination in the city’s water supply. However, Flint and its surrounding communities have come a long way since the State declared a state of emergency in 2016 regarding the lead contamination. In the past year alone, Flint has brought in over $2 billion in economic development investments, bringing good-paying jobs and economic opportunity and prosperity to the area.
Community leaders and government officials have been working hard for the people of Flint and Genesee County, implementing economic development initiatives, creating housing opportunities and investing in workforce development. One such initiative, Rx Kids — a pilot program with goals to expand its efforts to help many families across the state and nation — has recently emerged as a ray of hope for Flint’s future.
Rx Kids, the first universal program at this scale in the United States, has been designed to uplift babies and young children out of poverty and provide them with a lifetime of better health, equity, education and opportunity.
The long-lasting impacts of poverty on children’s health cannot be underestimated, making initiatives like Rx Kids even more crucial. Studies have consistently shown that growing up in poverty puts children at a higher risk for a wide range of cognitive, emotional and health-related issues. These challenges can hinder their executive functioning, academic achievements and social-emotional well-being, among other areas of development.
Furthermore, the effects of poverty extend beyond childhood. Adverse obstetric outcomes resulting from inadequate prenatal care can have lifelong consequences for both mothers and their children. Higher risks of preterm birth, preeclampsia, stillbirth and lower birthweight can lead to ongoing health difficulties and developmental delays.
Recognizing the significance of addressing these issues early on, Rx Kids aims to provide a comprehensive solution that uplifts children out of poverty and ensures their lifelong well-being. By addressing the root causes of poverty and offering support in areas such as health and education, programs like Rx Kids have the potential to break the cycle of poverty and create a brighter future for generations to come.
Sen. John Cherry (D-Flint) has played a pivotal role in securing the $16.5 million in crucial funding allocated to the Rx Kids program in the 2024 state budget. Through his unwavering dedication and tireless efforts, Sen. Cherry has demonstrated his commitment to the well-being of Flint’s youngest residents.
“The Rx Kids initiative is a game-changer for our community. By investing in the health and opportunities of our children, we are investing in the very foundation of our city’s future,” said Sen. Cherry. His instrumental role in ensuring the necessary resources for this groundbreaking program showcases his determination to reinvigorate Flint and Genesee County.
Led by Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha, Associate Dean for Public Health and C. S. Mott Endowed Professor of Public Health at the MSU College of Human Medicine, Rx Kids has garnered significant attention and support. Many government officials and community leaders, at both the state and national levels, are watching the pilot program closely, hoping to use it as guidance to bring similar programs to communities across Michigan and the United States.
In late July, Sen. Cherry was joined by Dr. Hanna-Attisha and Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II at the Michigan State University College of Human Medicine in Flint to officially announce the funding secured for Rx Kids.
“I am so grateful for Senator Cherry’s steadfast leadership and the entire Michigan Legislature for recognizing that we can boldly reimagine how we care for our youngest Michiganders,” said Hanna-Attisha. “As Flint often does, we can’t wait to spark this innovation in our town and share this model of equity and opportunity with communities across the state and nation so that all children have the resources they need to thrive.”
The program also received funding from the C.S. Mott Foundation, the Ruth Mott Foundation, the Michigan Health Endowment Fund and other charity organizations — totaling $40 million in funding.
The program’s approach is simple yet powerful. Rx Kids “prescribes” cash to every expectant mother in Flint, granting them a one-time prenatal allowance of $1,500. Furthermore, infants aged zero to 1 year old will receive a monthly allowance of $500, ensuring ongoing support during these crucial early stages of development.
The impact of Rx Kids extends far beyond financial assistance. By investing in the well-being of Flint’s youngest residents, the program aims to break the cycle of poverty that has plagued the city for far too long. The recent allocation of crucial funds from the 2024 state budget, thanks to Sen. Cherry, has provided Rx Kids with the vital resources needed to realize its transformative vision. With this unprecedented funding, Rx Kids can now provide essential care and support to the mothers and babies of Flint.
“By nurturing their health, education and overall development, this program sets the stage for a generational impact throughout the community. As these young lives flourish, so too will the entire city, illustrating the effect of investing in a brighter, more promising future for all of Flint,” said Sen. Cherry.
Rx Kids stands as a beacon of opportunity, illuminating a path toward a better tomorrow. With the collaboration of community organizations, Michigan State University, the University of Michigan Poverty Solutions and GiveDirectly, the program can uplift families and empower them to overcome the challenges they face.
Flint may have experienced multiple setbacks, but Rx Kids positions the city for a remarkable resurgence. Through financial support and essential care, Rx Kids is sowing the seeds for a brighter future where every child can thrive, and the entire Flint community can flourish once again.
Enrollment into Rx Kids has yet to begin but is slated to launch in 2024 and last at least five years once the funding goal of $55 million is reached. Find the most up-to-date information on Rx Kids and ways to support the program here.
Read more from the Michigan Senate Democrats at SenateDems.com/press.