Capitol News

Kalamazoo Rx Kids, the City of Kalamazoo’s inaugural cash prescription program for expectant mothers and infants, is set to launch in 2025. The initiative, an extension of Flint Rx Kids and a statewide program, will provide $1,500 during pregnancy and $500 each month for the first year of a baby’s life. This approach is modeled after the expanded Child Tax Credit and aims to enhance health, hope, and opportunity for families during pregnancy and infancy.

“Rx Kids boldly reimagines how we support our families and babies,” said Dr. Mona Hanna, pediatrician, director of Rx Kids, and Michigan State University College of Human Medicine associate dean of public health. “Kalamazoo has a long history of prioritizing and understanding that healthy children are vital to a healthy community. Launching this program will have an immediate and tangible positive impact on the entire Kalamazoo community.”

The City of Kalamazoo was chosen as an expansion site following the success of Rx Kids in Flint, which began in January 2024. Community leaders started meeting early in 2024 to explore the public health model. Momentum grew as $20 million in TANF funds were allocated toward expanding this public-private partnership program in the 2025 State of Michigan budget. With an annual funding goal exceeding $5 million, approximately $1.4 million per year from TANF funds will support Kalamazoo’s program.

In May, Kalamazoo Community Foundation (KZCF) made an initial pledge of $500,000. This was followed by contributions from United Way of South Central Michigan, Bronson Health Foundation, and most recently a significant $5 million investment from Stryker Johnston Foundation. As a result, the first year of the planned five-year Kalamazoo Rx Kids program is fully funded.

“This generous investment from Stryker Johnston Foundation has brought the expansion of Rx Kids to Kalamazoo,” said Alyssa Stewart, chief community impact officer at KZCF. “We will continue to invite local funders and donors to join us in our commitment to making our community the most equitable place to grow a family.”

The successful launch will ensure that over 800 babies expected to be born in Kalamazoo in 2025 receive cash prescriptions aimed at offsetting costs associated with childbirth while increasing access to essential early childhood development resources. According to a survey conducted by YWCA Kalamazoo’s Research and Evaluation team in May among currently pregnant home visitation program clients, additional funds would help stabilize housing situations, purchase food, secure childcare services, and ensure reliable transportation.

“Research shows that young children are uniquely impacted by poverty,” said Jameca Patrick-Singleton, executive director of Cradle Kalamazoo and vice president of community health for YWCA Kalamazoo. “Rx Kids has already demonstrated its impact in Flint by increasing access to resources desperately needed by young children.”

Early survey results released by Flint Rx Kids indicate improved healthcare utilization among more than 112 families along with increased financial security and parenting confidence.

“The financial burdens on moms during the first year are immense,” said Hanna. “Cash prescriptions help fill immediate needs like securing stable housing or transportation for healthcare utilization.”

Fundraising efforts continue for subsequent years' funding requirements. Community members interested in supporting Kalamazoo Rx Kids can visit kalfound.org/rx-kidskalamazoo for more information about enrollment details coming soon.

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