DETROIT – A Michigan program giving cash directly to pregnant mothers is showing dramatic results -- and new research is backing it up.
Rx Kids provides $1,500 to expectant mothers during pregnancy, followed by $500 a month for the first six months of their baby’s life. Since launching two years ago, 13 Metro Detroit communities have joined the program.
According to the Rx Kids website, more than $14 million has been distributed across those communities, with more than 5,600 families enrolled and nearly 4,000 babies born into the program. Detroit leads the way, with nearly 3,000 families enrolled and almost $6 million distributed.
Research published in Lancet Public Health found significant improvements in birth outcomes, including an 18% reduction in preterm births and a 27% decrease in low birthweight among Flint births. Additional benefits include greater housing stability, reduced food insecurity, improved mental health, increased prenatal care, and lower smoking rates among mothers.
Researchers from Michigan State University and the University of Michigan say this is one of the first studies in the country to show that putting money directly in the hands of pregnant mothers improves birth outcomes across an entire community.
The creator of RxKids and Associate Dean for Public Health at Michigan State University, Dr. Mona Hanna, spoke with Local 4 Live about the program, its growth and its impact.
You can watch the full interview in the video at the beginning of this article.