Residents of both cities can now apply for direct cash support for pregnancy and early infancy
In partnership with the Macomb County Health Department, Michigan State University’s Rx Kids program announced its launch in the cities of Mount Clemens and Center Line. Beginning April 1, pregnant mothers or babies born on or after April 1st in these communities can apply to receive $1,500 during pregnancy and $500 per month for the first six months of their child’s life. This expansion brings the program to 42 communities across Michigan, an extraordinary pace of growth that reflects both rising demand and strong bipartisan support.
“We’re deeply grateful for the bipartisan commitment from our state Legislature and the generosity of donors who are making today’s launch in Center Line and Mount Clemens possible,” said Dr. Mona Hanna, founder and director of Rx Kids and associate dean of public health at the Michigan State University College of Human Medicine. “And we’re especially thankful for the Macomb County Health Department, whose partnership ensures families here receive the support they deserve. Communities like Mount Clemens and Center Line are showing they’re ready to put babies first, and we’re honored to stand with them.”
Originally launched in Flint in 2024, Rx Kids has rapidly expanded in recent months as communities across the state seek proven, family‑centered solutions. Thanks to a historic bipartisan $250 million investment from the State of Michigan, additional communities are slated to join the program later this year. Rx Kids continues to work closely with state, local, and philanthropic partners to ensure families receive support during the most financially challenging stage of raising a child.
“Rx Kids is the first program of its kind in the nation — a bold, proven approach to lifting babies and young children out of poverty and into a lifetime of better health and opportunity,” said Sen. Kevin Hertel (D-St. Clair Shores). “Expanding this transformational program to the city of Mount Clemens is a powerful step toward building a healthier, more secure future for families right here in the heart of Macomb County. By providing families with real economic stability at the very start of a child’s life, Rx Kids gives parents the freedom to make the best choices for their families and gives every child a stronger foundation to succeed.”
Across Michigan, the program is already demonstrating powerful results. Families report greater stability, reduced financial stress, and improved health for both mothers and babies. Communities are also seeing local economic benefits as dollars flow directly into neighborhood businesses. Whether in small rural towns or densely populated cities, the impact is consistent: families are better able to afford essentials such as baby supplies, food, housing, childcare, and transportation to medical appointments.
“Expanding Rx Kids into the cities of Mount Clemens and Center Line helps ensure that families in these communities have access to early support during pregnancy and infancy,” said Andrew Cox, Director/Health Officer of the Macomb County Department of Health and Community Services. “This kind of early investment can reduce barriers and support healthier starts for children.”
A model of efficiency and program integrity, Rx Kids is led by Michigan State University and administered by GiveDirectly, the global leader in efficient and effective cash transfers. As a public-private partnership, the launch in Mount Clemens and Center Line is made possible thanks to funding from the State of Michigan and support from Ballmer Group. Local Community Champion, Macomb County Health Department, will support outreach, engagement, and celebration.
“At Ballmer Group, we invest in solutions that improve economic mobility and help children and families thrive,” said Rinia Shelby-Crooms, Portfolio Manager at Ballmer Group Southeast Michigan. “Rx Kids is a powerful example of what’s possible when communities, public health partners, and state leaders come together to support parents and their babies at the very beginning. We’re proud to help bring this proven approach to Mount Clemens and Center Line so more families can welcome a new baby with greater stability and peace of mind.”
Enrollment opened at 9AM on April 1, 2026, for people living in the cities of Mount Clemens and Center Line who are at least 16 weeks pregnant at the time of enrollment or have an infant born on or after April 1, 2026. Families can learn more and apply at RxKids.org.
What Michigan Leaders are Saying
“Strong communities are built when people look out for one another,” said Representative Mike McFall. “By providing practical support to parents and newborns during a critical stage of life, Rx Kids helps strengthen family stability and promote healthier futures.”
“For so many young families, parenthood can feel out of reach because of the financial strain it can bring,” said state Rep. Denise Mentzer (D-Mt. Clemens). “Rx Kids provides critical relief for new moms and babies, easing the stress that so often accompanies pregnancy. This program helps ensure this time in families’ lives can be what it should be: a time of joy, stability, and optimism as they begin a new chapter. When we invest in families, we are also investing in the next generation. I am thrilled to see Rx Kids come to our community in Mount Clemens.”
“Throughout my career, I’ve seen how early‑life support can transform long‑term health outcomes,” said State Senator Paul Wojno. “Expanding the Rx Kids program to families in Center Line reflects a real commitment to dignity, equity, and well‑being. Supporting families during pregnancy and infancy is one of the most powerful ways we can build a healthier future for Michigan’s children.”
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About Rx Kids
Rx Kids is the nation’s first-ever, community-wide maternal and infant cash prescription program, founded and directed by Dr. Mona Hanna, pediatrician and Associate Dean of Public Health at Michigan State University College of Human Medicine. Administered by GiveDirectly, the global leader in cash transfers, Rx Kids has efficiently delivered direct support to thousands of families across dozens of communities—strengthening family financial security, improving maternal and infant health, and boosting local economies.
Rx Kids is built on a strong network of partners who bring together academic leadership, community expertise, and public–private investment to make this vision possible. Co-founded by Michigan State University and Poverty Solutions at the University of Michigan, Rx Kids is implemented in partnership with local Community Champions and stakeholders who drive outreach, engagement, and celebration. Sustained through a robust public–private partnership that blends state investment with philanthropic and other support, Rx Kids reimagines what’s possible with a prescription for health, hope, and opportunity.