Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Maternal Health topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
County health report: Rx Kids cash-support program expanded to entire Upper Peninsula
Summary
The health department reported it expanded its Rx Kids cash-support program across the Upper Peninsula on March 1, offering a $1,500 payment at enrollment plus $500 per month for six months to qualifying pregnant participants; the department said the expansion will continue the program for another three years.
The health department presenter told the board the Rx Kids program, which provides targeted cash support to pregnant people and new parents, has been expanded across the entire Upper Peninsula as of March 1.
"We launched Rx Kids program in Eastern End Of The UP, provides some cash payments of $1,500 to pregnant moms, and then $500 per month each month for the first six months of life," the presenter said, adding the program will be sustained for another three years through planned roll-ins with partner counties. The presenter credited local partners and physicians for program design and cited collaboration with Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha (Michigan State University) and Dr. Luke Schafer (University of Michigan).
Board members said the program also has economic effects in small communities when benefits are spent locally. The presenter estimated WIC and related program benefits brought hundreds of thousands of dollars into local grocers and said the Rx Kids payments will similarly support local economies.
The presenter invited questions and said staff will continue outreach to ensure eligible families enroll. No board action was required; the expansion was presented as an operational update from the health department.
