Rx Kids is the nation’s first community-wide maternity cash program, backed by state and private funding.
Eligible families receive $1,500 during pregnancy and $500 monthly through the baby’s first year.
The program’s goal is to reduce economic hardships, leading to healthier pregnancies, higher birth weights and financial stability.
“We know that these families often spend those dollars on basic needs - things like rent and food or diapers or formula.”
Jennifer Headley-Nordman is President of First Steps Kent, administering the program for Grand Rapid’s 49507 zip code.
“The first year of life is so important for babies. We want to make sure that as a community, we're providing our babies with the best start ever to ensure that healthy development occurs because their family has access to their resources that they need.”
The program expands this summer to communities in Calhoun, Jackson, Kalamazoo, Kent, and Muskegon counties with more in Genesee and Wayne counties to follow.
Selection was based on Medicaid birth rates, child poverty levels, and maternal health outcomes.
Rx Kids enrollment will open in the following communities in summer 2026, with local launch events to welcome families and celebrate this investment in moms and babies:
Enrollment opens June 1, 2026:
- City of Galesburg, Kalamazoo County
- Oshtemo Township, Kalamazoo County
- Wakeshma Township, Kalamazoo County
- City of Muskegon, Muskegon County
- City of Muskegon Heights, Muskegon County
- City of Jackson, Jackson County
- Blackman Charter Township, Jackson County
Enrollment opens July 1, 2026:
- City of Albion, Calhoun County
- City of Battle Creek, Calhoun County
- City of Springfield, Calhoun County
- Sheridan Township, Calhoun County
- Zip code 49507, Kent County
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