Rx Kids Brings Hope and Support to Families in Wayne County
Published on November 10, 2025
Wayne County, MI –Wayne County Executive Warren C. Evans is proud to announce the launch of Rx Kids in Wayne County with a $7.5M investment from the county. In partnership with Michigan State University’s Rx Kids program, the mom and baby cash prescription program will launch in six cities across the county: River Rouge, Hamtramck, Highland Park, Inkster, Melvindale, and Dearborn. Beginning November 10, pregnant mothers 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.
Michigan lawmakers recently announced a substantial investment in Rx Kids within the approved 2025-2026 state budget of $250 million. The increased funding means more families across the state will get the help they need – providing much needed economic relief during such a critical time in their lives.
“This is a game-changer for our communities. Rx Kids is not just a program—it’s a movement to uplift families and invest in the future of our county,” said Wayne County Executive Warren C. Evans. “Bringing Rx Kids to Wayne County is part of a broader initiative to create healthier communities.”
“We are excited about the launch of Rx Kids and look forward to helping expectant moms during pregnancy and each month throughout the first six months of the baby’s life,” said Kennyle Johnson, Interim Director, Wayne County Department of Health, Human and Veterans Services (HHVS). “Providing financial support during this time in a family and child’s life is so important and we are looking forward to launching the program in select cities throughout Wayne County.”
With nearly 1 in 3 children living below the poverty line, Wayne County has one of the highest child poverty rates in Michigan. These conditions create lasting barriers to health, education, and opportunity. In partnership with Wayne County Health Department, the launch of Rx Kids offers direct support to families during the most critical stage of a child’s development.
“As a pediatrician who once cared for families in Wayne County, I know this community’s strength—but also the health challenges too many babies face when they’re born into poverty,” said Dr. Mona Hanna, director of Rx Kids and associate dean of public health at Michigan State University College of Human Medicine. “That’s why this expansion of Rx Kids is so critical. Together with local leaders, we’re ensuring every baby and family has a healthier start—and building a stronger, healthier Michigan for generations to come.”
Originally launched in Flint, Michigan in 2024, Rx Kids has expanded across the state to reach more than 3,900 families with $17 million in direct cash support. The addition of six new cities in Wayne County brings the program to 17 high-need communities in both urban and rural parts of the state.
With nearly 100% enrollment rate, communities participating in the program are seeing dramatic improvements in maternal and infant health. Recently published research showed significant impacts on birth outcomes, with a population-level decline in the rate of premature babies and low birth weight babies, leading to a prevention of NICU admissions. The program is also making a profound impact on family financial stability, improvements in maternal mental health, and health care access. These outcomes underscore the power of economic support during the earliest stages of life and the potential for Rx Kids to reshape the health of entire communities.
Rx Kids is a program of the Michigan State University Pediatric Public Health Initiative, in collaboration with Poverty Solutions at the University of Michigan, administered by GiveDirectly. The launch in these communities is supported by the State of Michigan, Wayne County, Community Foundation of Southeast Michigan (CFSEM), The City of Dearborn Department of Public Health, and a congressionally directed federal grant to support maternal and infant health in Dearborn.
“We have long committed Wayne County and its communities to being family friendly and this puts that commitment into action,” Wayne County Commission Chair Alisha Bell (D-Detroit) said. “Through this partnership, we are able to provide assistance to expecting and new mothers and their children in areas that could use it most.”
Chair Bell, who is also the incoming second vice-president of the National Association of Counties (NACo) said she will share information on Wayne County Rx Kids with other county leaders throughout the nation. “This is a program that will have a real impact here in Wayne County and I hope for other new moms and infants as well.”
Enrollment opens on November 10, 2025, for the six cities of River Rouge, Hamtramck, Highland Park, Inkster, Melvindale, and Dearborn. All expectant mothers must be at least 16 weeks pregnant at the time of enrollment or have an infant born on or after November 1, 2025. Families can learn more and apply at RxKids.org.
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