Published Nov. 12, 2025

Rx Kids, in partnership with the City of Dearborn Department of Public Health (DPH), announced today the expansion of its groundbreaking maternal and infant cash prescription program to the City of Dearborn.
 
The program will provide $1,500 during pregnancy and $500 per month throughout the baby’s first six months, with no strings attached. It will be retroactive to November 1, 2025, ensuring that every baby born in Dearborn since that date is eligible. Dearborn becomes the largest expansion city for Rx Kids and one of six Wayne County communities to bring this bold, evidence-based model of care directly to its residents.

Mayor Abdullah H. Hammoud stated, “Dearborn believes that every child deserves dignity from day one. By expanding Rx Kids to Dearborn, we’re taking a powerful step toward reimagining what a city can do for its people by investing directly in families, reducing financial stress, and giving every newborn a fair start in life.”

Rx Kids is a program of the Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, administered by GiveDirectly, with the City of Dearborn Department of Public Health serving as the community champion. A public-private partnership, the expansion to Dearborn is made possible through the generous support of the State of Michigan, Wayne County, City of Dearborn, the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan, and a congressionally directed federal grant secured by U.S. Senator Gary Peters to support maternal and infant health in Dearborn.
 
Ali Abazeed, Founding Director and Chief Public Health Officer for the City of Dearborn, stated, “Poverty is not inevitable. It is a choice and a failure of imagination. Every system that forces families to prove their need, every barrier we build between parents and support, every month we let babies go without the support they need — these are choices, not circumstances. Dearborn worked tirelessly to bring Rx Kids home because we refuse to accept that choice. Direct cash. No conditions. Pure dignity.”
 
Originally launched in Flint in 2024 by Dr. Mona Hanna, Rx Kids Director and Associate Dean of Public Health at Michigan State University, Rx Kids was created to support families during pregnancy and infancy, one of the most financially challenging and critical periods for child development.
 
“Rx Kids is a prescription for health, hope, and opportunity,” said Dr. Mona Hanna, founder and director of Rx Kids. “In Flint and across the state, we’ve already seen the incredible difference this support makes: healthier moms, thriving babies, and families with more breathing room. We’re thrilled to partner with the City of Dearborn and its visionary public health department to expand this work and continue proving that caring for families is the smartest investment any community can make.”
 
To date, Rx Kids has reached over 3,900 families across Michigan, delivering more than $17 million in direct cash support. With a 98 percent enrollment rate among eligible newborns, participation is nearly universal, and the results are clear. 

Families report greater financial stability, with 87 percent stating that the program helps them make ends meet and experience significant improvements in housing and nutritional security. Health outcomes are also improving, with an increase in prenatal visits, higher birth weights, and a decrease in preterm births and NICU stays. Mothers report better mental health and renewed hope. Early evidence suggests that in Flint, each dollar invested generates jobs and yields a statewide economic impact of $1.60 to $3.00, along with additional savings in healthcare costs resulting from healthier births. 
 
Enrollment is open, and newborn eligibility is retroactive to Nov. 1, 2025, meaning all Dearborn babies born after that date are eligible. Expectant mothers need to be at least 16 weeks pregnant at the time of application. 

For more information and to apply, visit RxKids.org.

The press conference announcing Rx Kids in Dearborn is available to view at the City of Dearborn's YouTube page. 

About Rx Kids
 
Rx Kids is a program of the Michigan State University–Hurley Children’s Hospital Pediatric Public Health Initiative, in collaboration with Poverty Solutions at the University of Michigan, and administered by GiveDirectly. The program provides direct cash support to pregnant women and families with newborns to improve health, hope, and opportunity.
 
Learn more at RxKids.org
 
About Dearborn Public Health
 
Established in 2022, the Dearborn Department of Public Health is Michigan’s second municipal health department, dedicated to advancing health equity, protecting environmental health, and integrating health considerations into all policies across city government. The department’s work centers on dignity, data, and design—building systems of care that meet residents where they are.
 
Learn more at www.Dearborn.gov/PublicHealth

What local champions are saying

“This is a big win for Dearborn and a big step for Michigan,” said State Rep. Alabas Farhat. “Rx Kids is the kind of forward-thinking investment that lifts up entire communities, and I’m proud to see it launch in my hometown.”

“The launch of Rx Kids in Dearborn is a powerful reminder of what happens when communities and government work together,” said U.S. Senator Gary Peters, who secured federal funding to support maternal and infant health in Dearborn. “This program gives parents peace of mind and babies a stronger start, and I’m proud to see it expanding in Dearborn.”

“Dearborn families deserve every opportunity to thrive,” said U.S. Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib. “Rx Kids is exactly the kind of people-centered investment that changes lives. This is what it looks like when we build systems rooted in care and trust.”

“The costs of raising a family keep climbing, and programs like Rx Kids give parents room to breathe,” said State Sen. Sylvia Santana. “I’m proud to see this expansion in my district and confident it will make a real difference for moms and babies across Dearborn.”

“Rx Kids is proof that bold, compassionate public policy can work for everyone,” said State Rep. Erin Byrnes. “As a lifelong educator and Dearborn resident, I know how much it means when we give families the support they need from day one.”

“Dearborn has always been a city that looks out for its people,” said Wayne County Commissioner Sam Baydoun. “Bringing Rx Kids here means more families will get the help they need during one of the most important times in life. I’m proud to see this program take root in our community.”

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