FLINT, MI – Two new studies have revealed that the Rx Kids cash prescription program – founded in Flint and expanded throughout Michigan – delivers health and economic gains for families.
Families who’ve participated in the groundbreaking cash prescription program have had healthier babies, improved birth outcomes and more financial stability, according to research.
Study findings were published in the American Journal of Public Health and released by the Social Science Research Network in the past week.
The American Journal of Public Health study analyzed survey data from more than 1,000 mothers from Flint and surrounding areas who participated in the program.
Data shows that Rx Kids nearly eliminated evictions, with a 91 percent decrease, reduced debt and mortgage debt by an average of $1,000, according to a news release from Rx Kids.
The program also improved access to nutritious food and reduced the share of mothers screening positive for postpartum depression by 14 percent.
Trust in health care institutions also rose by 10 percentage points, according to the release.
Research released via the Social Science Research Network analyzed more than 450,000 births across the state and found that Rx Kids led to healthier babies.
Since its launch in 2024, Flint has seen an 18 percent drop in preterm births and a 27 percent reduction in low birthweight compared to the previous year and similar cities, according to the release.
The improvements resulted in a 29 percent reduction in neonatal intensive care unit admissions and generated approximately $6.2 million in healthcare savings, according to the release.
“These are not just numbers. These are babies who didn’t need intensive care. These are moms who did not suffer from postpartum depression,” said Dr. Mona Hanna, director of Rx Kids and associate dean of public health at Michigan State University College of Human Medicine. “We’ve long known that poverty is a public health crisis. This research proves that Rx Kids is a powerful prescription.”
Rx Kids co-founder Luke Shaefer said the program is a “blueprint” for other communities to improve health outcomes.
“We’re showing that communities can scale unconditional support, reach nearly every family, and deliver measurable results—healthier babies, stronger mental health, and economic stability,” Shaefer, director of Poverty Solutions at the University of Michigan, said in a statement.
Rx Kids provides mothers with $1,500 during pregnancy and $500 per month for babies for six to 12 months.
Since launching in Flint, the program has now expanded to 11 communities in Michigan and has reached more than 3,400 families.
The program has prescribed more than $14.5 million in cash.