• Detroit becomes a national model for eliminating poverty and improving health

Today, Mayor Mary Sheffield made it official: Michigan State University’s Rx Kids program has officially launched in the City of Detroit, marking the life-changing programs’ largest launch to date. With approximately 8,000 babies born in Detroit each year, the expansion represents an unprecedented investment in the city’s youngest residents—reaching families at scale and positioning Detroit as one of the most baby-friendly cities in the nation.

Starting today, applications for Detroit families are open at RxKids.org, which also is linked to from the front of the City of Detroit website at DetroitMi.gov.

The launch of Rx Kids in Detroit fulfills Mayor Mary Sheffield’s first major commitment as mayor. Rx Kids was her first announcement upon taking office, accompanied by a promise to bring the program to Detroit within her first 100 days—a promise now delivered.

The announcement took place at a Baby Love Launch Event, a celebration inspired by the city’s Motown heritage and a renewed commitment to support moms and babies, reflecting both the spirit of Motown and the future the city is working to build. The celebration marked a historic moment for the city, honoring the strength, love, and resilience of the city’s moms and babies.

“Rx Kids was my first announcement as mayor because supporting babies and families is foundational to Detroit’s future,” said Mary Sheffield, Mayor of Detroit. “I promised Detroiters that we would provide every baby born in our city with this direct financial support so they can have the best chance at a good start in life. Today, we are delivering on that promise.”

Enrollment for Rx Kids Detroit is now live at RxKids.org and open to all City of Detroit families who are expecting (must be at least 16 weeks pregnant) or with a 2026 newborn. The eligibility in Detroit starts for January 1, 2026 newborns, aligning with the start of Mayor Sheffield’s term. Once verified, families receive $1500 prenatally and $500 per month for a baby’s first six months.

“Bringing Rx Kids to Detroit is a powerful milestone for this program,” 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. “This launch is the result of an extraordinary partnership with Mayor Mary Sheffield, who is boldly ushering in a new era of health, hope, and opportunity. Together, we’re delivering a proven, efficient program that strengthens family financial security, improves health outcomes, and builds a brighter, more equitable future for Detroit’s moms, babies, and entire communities.”

Originally launched in Flint in 2024, Rx Kids has already reached more than 5,600 families across the state with more than $22 million in direct support during the prenatal and infancy period, which is one of the most financially challenging and critical for child development. This support helps families afford essentials such as baby supplies, food, housing, childcare, and transportation to doctor’s appointments. Early results from Rx Kids communities across Michigan show near-universal enrollment, improved family stability, reduced financial stress, and better health for moms and babies, while also generating local economic benefits as dollars flow directly into neighborhood businesses.

At today’s event, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the next major expansion of Rx Kids will extend the program across the rest of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. In March 2026, exactly one year after Rx Kids first launched in five counties in the Eastern Upper Peninsula, the program will expand to reach all 15 counties in the region. The announcement underscores Michigan’s continued commitment to scaling baby-first policies in both urban and rural communities.

“Michigan is leading the nation by giving moms and babies the support they need to thrive,” said Governor Whitmer. “Rx Kids is an innovative, bipartisan program designed to improve health outcomes and reduce child poverty, the first of its kind in the country. With today’s official launch in Detroit and the announcement of Rx Kids’ coming expansion across the entire Upper Peninsula, we’re working together to help Michigan families, whether they live in our largest city or our smallest towns, raise their children with confidence. We’ll stay focused on investing in Michigan’s children this year, building on our work to deliver preK for all, free school meals, and a tuition-free path to a degree and a good-paying job. In Michigan, we believe that every kid deserves a bright future.”

With the Detroit launch and the newly announced Upper Peninsula expansion, Michigan continues to set the national standard for innovative, efficient, evidence-informed policy that improves health outcomes, strengthens families, and builds stronger communities.

“The launch of Rx Kids in Detroit represents what it looks like when a public university fully steps into its responsibility to serve the people of Michigan,” said Kevin Guskiewicz, PhD, president of Michigan State University. “By leading Rx Kids, MSU’s College of Human Medicine is translating research into real-world impact—advancing public health, equity, and opportunity at scale. This evidence-based program, grounded in dignity, demonstrates how universities can move beyond study to action and help ensure a healthier start for families.”

A model of efficiency and program integrity, Rx Kids is led by Michigan State University and administered by GiveDirectly, the global leader in cash transfers. The initiative is made possible thanks to the leadership of Mayor Sheffield and the City of Detroit serving as the local Community Champion, supporting outreach, engagement, and celebration.

As a public-private partnership, Rx Kids is funded through both public investment and philanthropic leadership. In a historic bipartisan commitment, the State of Michigan invested $250 million to expand the program to additional high-need communities over the next three years. Although a recent House Appropriations Committee decision to reduce 2024–2025 funding may temporarily limit expansion for up to 6,000 Michigan babies, Rx Kids continues to progress, collaborating with partners across sectors to ensure mothers and babies receive timely, effective support when it matters most.

Philanthropic, corporate and other champions supporting Rx Kids in Detroit include the City of Detroit, The Skillman Foundation, W.K. Kellogg Foundation, The Kresge Foundation, Skyline Foundation, Ballmer Group, General Motors, Jamie and Denise Jacob Family Foundation, Max M. & Marjorie S. Fisher Foundation, Community Foundation of Southeast Michigan, Huntington Bank, Children’s Foundation of Michigan, Blue Cross Blue Shield Foundation of Michigan, and United Way for Southeastern Michigan. GreenLight Fund Detroit served as a catalytic funder, helping to bring Rx Kids to Detroit. Additional funding opportunities remain to support Rx Kids.

What Leaders are Saying

"Rx Kids is exactly the kind of evidence-based, effective, efficient program Mayor Sheffield wants to bring to Detroit. With it, the City will become a national leader among big cities in how to support their youngest residents and families." - Luke Shaefer, PhD, City of Detroit Chief Executive of Health, Human Services, and Poverty Solutions, and co-founder of Rx Kids

“Rx Kids provides direct, unconditional support during the critical perinatal period, improving maternal health, reducing stress, and strengthening family financial security. Bringing this program to Detroit has been a priority since Rx Kids launched two years ago. We’re grateful to state and local leaders and partners for trusting families to meet their own needs efficiently and with dignity. Launching at Detroit’s scale shows what’s possible when material stability is treated as a foundation for maternal and child health. -  Laura Keen, US Program Director, GiveDirectly

“The historic expansion of Rx Kids to the city of Detroit embodies the very heart of the College of Human Medicine's mission. We are committed to serving communities across the state — especially those who are medically underserved. With Rx Kids’ launch in Detroit, we are not only improving health outcomes for mothers and babies but also promoting dignity and equitable access to care. This program demonstrates how academic medicine can partner with communities to deliver innovative solutions to strengthen families and enhance public health across Michigan.” - Supratik Rayamajhi, MD, Interim Dean, Michigan State University College of Human Medicine

“Every child born in Michigan deserves the chance to achieve health and wealth. Rx Kids is a bold idea that does something simple to respond to fight poverty and respond to health disparities: it puts money directly in Michiganders’ pockets. I’m proud to be part of the partnership that has brought Rx Kids to my hometown of Detroit and expanded it to cities around Michigan. Let’s keep Standing Tall so every mom and baby can thrive.” - Garlin Gilchrist II, Lt. Governor of Michigan

"I am incredibly grateful for the leadership of Dr. Mona Hanna and Mayor Mary Sheffield in finally bringing Rx Kids to Detroit. Their work is setting a new standard for how we support families early and effectively in our city and across our state. Supporting moms, kids, and families from day one should not depend on who you are or where you live.” - Jocelyn Benson, Secretary of State of Michigan

“I’ve seen firsthand how economic stress and lack of opportunity can put families in crisis. As a mentor to high school students working toward college, I also see how early stability can shape a child’s entire future. Rx Kids gets to the root of the issue by supporting mothers and newborns from day one with dignity and trust. This program is about strengthening families, improving public safety, and building a healthier, more hopeful Detroit for generations to come.” - State Rep. Tyrone Carter

“As a legislator I’ve seen firsthand how health, safety, and economic stability are all tied together. Rx Kids is a smart, preventative investment that gets at all three. When we support moms and babies from the very start, we improve health outcomes, lower long-term costs, and help families build a stable foundation. That stability shows up in safer neighborhoods and a stronger economy. This is exactly the kind of evidence-based, people-first approach Michigan should be leading with.” - State Rep. Alabas Farhat

“My work in the Legislature is focused on expanding access to health care, ensuring every child receives a quality education, strengthening our justice system, and protecting workers’ rights. Rx Kids connects to all of those goals. By giving mothers and newborns a healthy, stable start, we’re improving outcomes in school, in health, and in life. This program is an investment in families, in opportunity, and in the future of Michigan.” - State Rep. Donavan McKinney

“As a mother of four, I first ran for public office by serving on our local school board because I wanted to ensure my children, and every child in our community, could receive a world-class education. That commitment to good government and smart investments continues to guide my work in the Senate today. Expanding Rx Kids to Detroit is exactly the kind of policy that delivers real results for families. I’m proud to support Rx Kids and its expansion into Detroit.” - State Sen. Senator Veronica Klinefelt

“I understand the sacrifices working families make to build a better future. Families deserve real support. Rx Kids is a powerful step in that direction. By providing cash assistance to mothers with newborns, we’re easing financial strain, improving health outcomes, and helping families start strong. This is the kind of people-centered policy Michigan needs.” - State Rep. Veronica A. Paiz

“I’ve seen how moments of vulnerability can define a family’s future. Rx Kids is the kind of compassionate, community-driven policy that makes a real difference. By providing support to mothers and babies from the start, we’re improving health outcomes, reducing stress, and honoring the dignity of families across Michigan. This program reflects the values of care, equity, and opportunity that I’ve spent my life fighting for.” - State Rep. Laurie Pohutsky

“The values of teamwork, commitment, and community service were instilled in me on the football field at Michigan State University, where I learned firsthand the power of coming together to achieve something greater than ourselves. That makes it especially meaningful to see MSU lead innovative solutions like Rx Kids. Expanding this program to Detroit will give families the support they need from day one, improving health outcomes and building a stronger future for our city. I’m proud to support Rx Kids and its expansion into Detroit.” - State Rep. Joe Tate

“As a former Detroit school teacher, I have firsthand knowledge of the challenges facing our public schools and the families they serve. I’ve seen how economic stress and health disparities show up in the classroom every day, affecting a child’s ability to learn and thrive. Expanding Rx Kids into Detroit is a powerful investment in our local community and in our children’s futures. By supporting mothers and newborns from the very beginning, we’re laying the groundwork for stronger health outcomes, greater stability at home, and better success in school. This is exactly the kind of smart, community-centered policy Michigan needs.” - State Rep. Regina Weiss

“I’ve never been afraid to fight for Michigan families and underrepresented communities who often are left behind by our systems. Expanding Rx Kids in Detroit is a meaningful step toward real social change — one that puts resources directly into the hands of mothers and newborns when they need it most. Rx Kids does that work by uplifting families, improving health outcomes, and strengthening our communities from the very beginning.” - State Sen. Erika Geiss

“My work in the Senate is centered on reducing racial disparities in health outcomes and advancing equity. Rx Kids is a powerful investment in that vision. By providing direct support to mothers and newborns, this program helps close health gaps, strengthens families, and supports healthier, more equitable communities across Detroit. I’m proud to support Rx Kids and its impact for Detroit families.” - State Sen. Sylvia Santana

“I’ve always believed in building relationships across the aisle to deliver real solutions for Michigan families. My focus is always on creating opportunity and stability. Rx Kids embodies that same spirit. By supporting mothers and newborns in Detroit with direct, no-strings-attached assistance, we’re strengthening families, improving health outcomes, and investing in a brighter future for our communities. This is a bipartisan, people-first program I’m proud to support.” - State Sen. Jeremy Moss

"Detroit families deserve support during one of life's most critical moments. Rx Kids is a proven, research-backed program developed by a pediatrician and mom for moms that puts cash directly in new parents' pockets when they need it most—leading to better health outcomes for moms and babies, strengthening stability at home, and saving millions in future healthcare costs while boosting the local economy. Rx Kids is already transforming lives across Michigan by giving families the financial security to provide their babies with a strong start, and I’m proud to support its expansion to Detroit"  - State Sen. Mallory McMorrow.

Throughout my career, I’ve championed women’s rights, equality, and social justice and expanding Rx Kids to Detroit is a powerful reflection of those values. By providing direct support to mothers and newborns, this program addresses health inequities at their roots, strengthens families, and builds healthier communities.” - State Sen. Paul Wojno

“As a licensed and ordained minister, I’ve always believed that love isn’t just something we say, it’s something we do. ‘Love is the work’ means showing up for families in real, tangible ways, especially during life’s most vulnerable moments. Rx Kids puts love into action by providing mothers and newborns with the support they need at the very beginning of life. It’s compassionate, practical, and rooted in the belief that every family deserves a strong start. By investing in families from day one, we’re strengthening our communities and building a healthier, brighter future for Detroit.” - State Rep. Stephanie Young

“As mother of four and former social worker, I’ve gained deep insight into the policy successes and failures that shape Michiganders’ lives every day. The programs that work are the ones that meet families where they are and put trust in communities. Rx Kids does exactly that by providing direct, no-strings-attached support to mothers and babies at the most critical moment. This is community-centered legislation that strengthens families, improves health outcomes, and gives every child a fair start.” - Rep. Kimberly Edwards

“Supporting new moms and babies must be a top priority, and I am thrilled to see Mayor Sheffield and Rx Kids team up to help Detroit families. With a background in public policy and social work, I know that smart, people-centered investments at the earliest stages of life deliver the strongest outcomes. Expanding Rx Kids to Detroit is exactly the kind of solution that works — supporting mothers and newborns with dignity, improving health outcomes, and strengthening families and communities. I’m proud to support this program and its expansion as we continue building a more equitable future for Detroit.” - Sen. Stephanie Chang

With the launch of Rx Kids – an evidence-based program with a proven track record – Detroit is working to ensure that every mother has a solid foundation upon which to raise their newborn and that every baby receives strong support from day one. Direct and intentional people-centered investments, such as these, are how we create healthy communities rooted in dignity, equity, and opportunity. Today, especially, I am proud to be a Detroiter. - Gabriela Santiago-Romero, Detroit City Council Member, District 6

“Caring for our children is written into our city’s very foundation; it’s in our charter. Holistic programs like Rx Kids put that responsibility into action and are truly life changing. This early investment in our children’s lives strengthens families, our community, and even boosts our local economy.” - Angela Whitfield-Calloway, Detroit City Council Member, District 2

“Rx Kids is going to have a positive impact on Detroit families by providing financial stability to pregnant mothers that leads to healthier pregnancies, improved birth outcomes, and significant reduced parenting stress,” said Detroit City Councilmember Scott Benson, District 3. “Direct cash support also has shown health care savings by encouraging pregnant mothers to access pre-natal care consistently and more frequently which results in fewer complications and NICU admissions. From helping make ends meet to supporting healthier pregnancies, Rx Kids will be a game changer for Detroit families.”

“Ending poverty is not charity—it is justice. Today we walk down the road of justice towards equitable prosperity with Rx Kids. Our grand goal is that Detroiters can live in a world where “poverty” and “Citizens of Detroit” are never mentioned in the same sentence again. This is a great day for Detroit’s future! Thank you, Mayor Sheffield!” - Coleman A. Young II, President Pro-Tempore, Detroit City Council

What Our Donors Are Saying

“The Jamie and Denise Jacob Family Foundation is proud to support Rx Kids because we know that thriving communities begin with strong support for children and families. Rx Kids’ commitment to investing in families during the earliest and most critical stages of life aligns with our Foundation’s values of listening to and trusting those with lived experience, in this case parents, as the experts on what their families need. As a research-backed approach, Rx Kids reinforces a powerful message: parents know best, and with added support in the earliest stages of childhood and parenthood, both families and communities are stronger for it.” - Megan Fenkell, Executive Director, Jamie and Denise Jacob Family Foundation

“We are excited to be part of the launch of Rx Kids in Detroit. This historic partnership between Rx Kids, the City of Detroit, the State of Michigan, and public and private foundations demonstrates our shared commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of moms and babies. Every mom and baby in Detroit deserves every opportunity to thrive, and Rx Kids will be essential to making health and financial stability a reality for families across the city. Programs like Rx Kids that reduce maternal stress caused by financial instability are vital to strengthening maternal and infant health. By removing barriers to financial stability that contribute to maternal stress, Rx Kids will have a profound impact on the wellbeing of both mothers and their babies. We are proud to support this transformational program.” - Kelly Brittain, PhD, RN, Vice President of Impact, Children's Foundation of Michigan

“The BCBSM Foundation is thrilled to partner with Rx Kids again to support evaluation efforts after the program’s positive impact in Flint and the Upper Peninsula. With our office being in Detroit, we are so excited to support moms and babies in the city. Dr. Mona and her wonderful team have significantly improved maternal health outcomes across the state, and we look forward to the same results in Detroit.” – Melissa Boguslawski, PhD, MPH, Senior Program Officer, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Foundation

"Expanding opportunity in cities means investing in families and in the conditions that allow children to thrive. Rx Kids is a practical, dignity-centered approach that helps stabilize households in that critical first year of a child's life. We are proud to support a model that trusts families to know what they need and puts resources directly in their hands." - Wendy Lewis Jackson, Managing Director, The Kresge Foundation's Detroit Program

“Few life events carry as much meaning and joy as the birth of a child, yet childbirth is also physically, emotionally, and financially demanding. Mothers need time to recover, and babies need time with their mothers to form bonds essential to lifelong wellbeing. In Michigan, 1.67 million households now live in households struggling to meet basic needs, and many families face rising expenses just as a working mother steps away from paid work. Rx Kids helps ease this strain by providing direct cash assistance in a child’s critical early months, supporting essentials while reducing stress at home. Aligned with its commitment to early childhood success, the Max M. & Marjorie S. Fisher Foundation is proud to partner with RxKids Detroit to help restore stability, joy, and healthy futures for all families. - Cynthia Rowell, Director of Learning and Impact, Max M. & Marjorie S. Fisher Foundation

"At the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, we are dedicated to helping Detroit’s children, families and communities thrive. Rx Kids is an investment of resources and care that can help achieve those goals by supporting both the current and future health and well-being of our youngest children and their families, ultimately investing in the future of the city as a whole." - Marijata C. Daniel-Echols, PhD, MPP, Senior Program Officer, W.K. Kellogg Foundation’s Detroit team

“Michigan families know best what they need. We are inspired by the Rx Kids prescription of no-strings-attached love. Rx Kids has proven that cash support at the critical time of pregnancy and childbirth will improve health, reduce financial stressors on families, and strengthen the whole community. We couldn’t be happier to help fund the Rx Kids vision.” - Angela and David Filo, Founders, Skyline Foundation

“Investing in proven initiatives like Rx Kids that support financial and physical health and well-being and directly impact the daily lives of Detroit families is how we live out our company purpose of strengthening the communities we serve. It’s partnerships and collaborative efforts like this that move our city forward and ensure the long-term success of Detroit.” - Mike Land, Southeast Michigan & Northwest Ohio Regional President, Huntington Bank

“Rx Kids is a transformative initiative aimed at strengthening families and reducing childhood poverty. Supporting this work is a crucial piece of our Health Equity portfolio. Bolstered by public and private partnerships, Rx Kids is shaping a future that directly supports the needs of children and families who call Michigan home. We know that investing in our youngest residents and mothers during the critical period of pregnancy and infancy is key to supporting thriving communities across southeast Michigan.” - Sarah Baltman Wedepohl, Vice President of Community Impact, Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan

“Rx Kids reflects what we know to be true: when families are supported early, children and communities are stronger. Investing in parents and babies is not just compassionate, it is foundational to Detroit and to Michigan’s future. Programs like this honor families with trust and dignity, and show what becomes possible when we act early and with intention.” - Angelique Power, President & CEO, The Skillman Foundation

“We are proud to partner with the City of Detroit on this groundbreaking Rx Kids program. Every child deserves a healthy, stable start. This investment in mothers and babies is one of the most powerful investments we can make in Detroit's future.” - Dr. Darienne Hudson, President & CEO, United Way for Southeastern Michigan

“Rx Kids represents an essential puzzle piece supporting the financial resilience of Detroit families. GreenLight's role is to strengthen Detroit residents' access to wealth by bringing in proven models that address poverty. Delivering unrestricted cash to babies and parents during this critical period of the family life cycle is a powerful rung in the ladder supporting Detroiters' rise to prosperity." - Jasahn Larsosa, Executive Director of GreenLight Fund Detroit

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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. A model of efficiency and program integrity, Rx Kids is administered by GiveDirectly, the global leader in cash transfers. Rx Kids has seamlessly 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 Professor Luke Shaefer and in collaboration with 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.