New study shows profound impact of RxKids program as Detroit surpasses $6M in cash support to families and babies

• New study published in The Lancet Public Health found that RxKids program in Flint delivers dramatic reductions in preterm births, low birth weights and NIC unit admissions
• Mayor Mary Sheffield launched program in February as a way to support healthy babies
• 1,800 Detroit babies born under RxKids so far, 2,900 families enrolled

A new study published in The Lancet Public Health, one of the premiere medical and public health journals in the world, found that RxKids, the nation's first community-wide prenatal and infant cash prescription program, led to significant improvements in birth outcomes for infants born in Flint, Michigan, where the program first launched in 2024. According to the study, babies covered by the program saw significantly reduced rate of low birthweight and preterm birth, as well as admissions to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

In Detroit, Rx Kids provides a $1,500 cash prescription during pregnancy, followed by $500 per month throughout the baby's first six months. The program recognizes that pregnancy and infancy are often the most financially vulnerable times for families and aims to provide meaningful support when it matters most.

Following the launch of Rx Kids, Flint saw an estimated 18% reduction in preterm births and a 27% reduction in low birthweight, according to the peer-reviewed study. These improvements contributed to a roughly 29% decrease in NICU admissions, generating millions in healthcare savings.

The good news comes as RxKids Detroit - launched four months ago today by Mayor Mary Sheffield - surpassed $6 million in direct financial support to families expecting babies or with infants up to six months of age. The program currently covers 2,900 eligible families and covers the 1,800 babies born far in Detroit since program launched.

Madam Mayor at the RX Kids launch in Detroit.

Mayor Mary Sheffield said that the Flint study findings validate her priority of expanding the program to Detroit, where she said she expects similar results.

"The study shows what we've known all along - that when families aren't financially stretched to the limit, expectant mothers are more likely to get the prenatal care they need and new mothers are better able to make sure their babies have the care they need," said Mayor Sheffield. "We have heard from countless families who have told us how much the support from RxKids has meant to their families at this most critical time in their babies' development."

The study findings show that providing direct support during pregnancy and infancy can improve maternal and infant health. This is among the first population-level studies in the United States showing that direct economic support during pregnancy improves birth outcomes.

Researchers from Michigan State University and the University of Michigan analyzed approximately 4,500 births in Flint between January 2021 and June 2025, comparing outcomes before and after the launch of Rx Kids to similar cities in the state without the program.

Before Rx Kids, low birthweight and preterm birth rates in Flint were increasing from 2021-2023. After the program began in 2024, those trends reversed. Compared to similar communities, Flint experienced meaningful declines in both outcomes.

"Tough times come," said Detroit Mom Rakiah Reives, whose car broke down right before she received her first Rx Kids payment. "As parents we feel like we're supposed to have everything figured out, but we don't. The money came in handy right on time. You don't have to jump through all the hoops. Sometimes when people are struggling, they're already doing everything they can just to keep things together."

"The Rx Kids program has provided my family with relief," said Detroit mom Mercedesz Brown. "As a first-time mom of twins, it truly is a blessing and came to Detroit at a perfect time. Because of Rx Kids, I have been able to set funds aside, pay bills, and purchase things I need for my girls. With twins, everything is so much more expensive because it is doubled."