(WWJ) - A new study is showing the continued positive effects of the Rx Kids program.
Rx Kids was launched in Flint in January of 2024, and has since expanded to 11 communities around Michigan. They are “the nation’s first community-wide prenatal and infant cash prescription program,” a press release said.
Kalamazoo, Pontiac, Royal Oak Township and Hazel Park are also Rx Kids communities, as well as all of Alger, Chippewa, Clare, Luce, Mackinac and Schoolcraft counties.
Since the program is community-wide, the only requirement is geographical.
More than 3,700 families have received over $16 million in direct support.
The State of Michigan recently invested $270 million to expand the program over the next three years. Rx Kids is expected to reach one-third of all births in the state, nearly 100,000 babies.
According to the press release, a study published by JAMA Network Open on Monday showed improved prenatal care rates in Flint. The study, titled “Unconditional Cash Transfers and Prenatal Care Utilization in Flint, Michigan,” showed that women starting prenatal care in the first trimester increased by 5.6 percentage points. Adequate levels of prenatal care increased by 9.1 percentage points. Births with no prenatal care dropped by 1.9 percentage points.
The American Medical Association publishes JAMA Network Open, which is an open-access medical journal.
“The perinatal period is a time of profound economic vulnerability, and too often, that means missed care and risky births, Dr. Mona Hanna, Director of Rx Kids and Associate Dean of public health at the MSU College of Human Medicine, said. “Rx Kids is flipping that script. We’re seeing moms engage earlier and more often with their doctors, because they finally have the financial breathing room to prioritize their health.”
Rx Kids provides $1,500 during pregnancy and $500 per month for babies. The number of months range from six to 12, depending on the community. The money can be used for childcare, housing, baby supplies, food and other essentials.
“What’s important to understand about Rx Kids is that no one is told to seek more prenatal care, it’s not a requirement or condition,” Luke Schaefer, Rx Kids Co-Founder, professor of public policy and Director of Poverty Solutions at the University of Michigan, said. “When people have the necessary resources, they can make the choices that are best for themselves and their families. This study shows that dignity and trust, paired with support, lead to better health outcomes.
Previous research from the program also showed improvements in family financial stability. There were fewer preterm births, reduced NICU stays, eviction rates dropped and families had better access to nutritious food. Maternal mental health and wellbeing also showed improvements, according to the press release.