Capitol News

More than 1,300 families in Flint have benefited from nearly $6 million in cash assistance since the launch of Rx Kids in January 2024. A celebration was held on January 29 at the Flint Children’s Museum to mark the program's first anniversary.

“The first year of life is full of beautiful milestones – smiling, sitting, crawling, babbling and even walking,” stated Mona Hanna, pediatrician and director of Rx Kids. She also serves as an associate dean at Michigan State University College of Human Medicine. “We are so grateful to celebrate all these milestones with our thriving babies and families. In no time, our babies will be running and talking, and we are certain that this Rx Kids dose of economic stability in their critical first year will ensure many more happy birthdays to come.”

Luke Shaefer, co-director of Rx Kids and professor at the University of Michigan, highlighted the program's success. “Programs like Rx Kids prove that we can solve big problems through private-public partnerships that are fiscally responsible and at the same time center and lift up moms and babies and meet their most critical needs,” he said. “We are thrilled with the success of Rx Kids in Flint, and excited for the blueprint this community has provided for how to replicate that impact in other areas.”

A survey conducted by GiveDirectly included responses from over 500 participants who shared how Rx Kids has improved their lives. The findings revealed that 59% earn less than $10,000 annually while 89% earn under $30,000; a majority rent their homes; many face financial shocks related to auto expenses or rent/utilities.

Key survey results include:

- 88% reported improved financial security.

- Half experienced a financial shock after enrolling.

- Most used funds to mitigate these shocks.

- Improved access to healthcare was noted by 66%.

- Nearly all pregnant participants attended prenatal care recently.

- Participants with infants frequently visited pediatricians.

- Confidence as parents increased for 84%.

Additionally, some respondents shared personal stories about how the program has enabled them to pursue educational goals while managing family responsibilities.

“I literally have not been able to do school and work for years...but thanks to [the] Rx Kids program I can finish school," one participant expressed.