How Wayne County Selected Cities for RX Kids Rollout

November 19, 2025

Wayne County has introduced the Rx Kids initiative with a $7. 5 million investment to address maternal and infant health challenges by providing direct cash payments to expectant mothers in economically distressed areas. The program offers eligible pregnant women $1,500 during pregnancy and $500 monthly for their baby's first six months across six selected communities: River Rouge, Hamtramck, Highland Park, Inkster, Melvindale, and Dearborn.

Who is affected

Expectant mothers and infants in six Wayne County communities (River Rouge, Hamtramck, Highland Park, Inkster, Melvindale, and Dearborn)
Wayne County residents, particularly those facing child poverty (nearly 1 in 3 children living below the poverty line)
More than 3,900 families already reached by Rx Kids since its 2024 Flint launch
17 high-need communities across Michigan (both urban and rural) now participating in the program
Wayne County Health Department (partnership role)

What action is being taken

Wayne County has launched the Rx Kids initiative (as of Monday, November 10)
Eligible expectant mothers can now apply to receive payments ($1,500 during pregnancy and $500 per month for six months)
The program is delivering direct cash support to families through partnership with Michigan State University's Rx Kids program and the Wayne County Health Department
Rx Kids is operating in 17 communities across Michigan, providing direct financial relief

Why it matters

This initiative addresses a critical health care crisis in Wayne County, which has one of Michigan's highest child poverty rates. Direct cash support during pregnancy and early infancy targets the most crucial period of child development, helping families overcome barriers to health, education, and opportunity. The program takes an efficient, direct approach to poverty relief rather than indirect assistance, and participating areas have already demonstrated near-universal enrollment with significant improvements in maternal and infant health outcomes, suggesting this model effectively reaches families in need.

What's next

State lawmakers have approved a $250 million investment in Rx Kids within the 2025-2026 state budget, which will expand the program statewide across Michigan

Read full article from source: Michigan Chronicle