Mayor Sheffield Moves Quickly to Bring Rx Kids Program to Detroit

In a Monday morning press conference on the Rx Kids Program launch, Mayor Sheffield said, "Detroit has always led with heart and courage, and today we're setting a national standard by giving every mother real support and every baby a strong start." (Pjhoto by HB Meeks/Tell Us USA News Network)

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	Rx Kids is a public-private partnership made possible with generous support from the State of Michigan and a growing family of funders and supporters. City of Detroit photo
	Mayor Sheffield Moves Quickly to Bring Rx Kids Program to Detroit Jean Davis - Local/State Tell Us Detroit News DETROIT - Just days after taking office, Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield is moving fast to make her first major policy mark: partnering with Michigan State University’s Rx Kids program to deliver direct cash support to new and expecting mothers. Sheffield announced Monday that Detroit will become the largest city in the country to join the initiative, which aims to stabilize families during pregnancy and a baby’s first months — periods that often bring steep financial strain. Roughly 8,000 babies are born in Detroit each year. Under the plan, expectant mothers will receive a $1,500 “cash prescription” during pregnancy, followed by $500 monthly payments for the child’s first six months. There are no restrictions on how families use the money. Enrollment is expected to begin within Sheffield’s first 100 days. “Detroit has always been a city that leads with heart and courage,” Sheffield said. “We’re making sure every mother has real support and every baby has a strong start.” The move makes Detroit a key partner in a program that has already reached nearly 5,000 families in more than 20 Michigan communities, according to Michigan State University pediatrician Dr. Mona Hanna, who helped develop the initiative. The effort is administered nationally by GiveDirectly, a non-profit specializing in direct cash transfers. A New Public–Private Model The state legislature included $250 million over three years in the most recent budget to expand Rx Kids across Michigan, with Detroit joining as its largest urban partner. Local funding includes $500,000 annually from the city, paired with contributions from major philanthropic and corporate partners including the Skillman, Kresge, and Kellogg foundations, Huntington Bank, and General Motors. Altogether, the city anticipates $105 million in cash payments over the next several years, a flow of funds that could ripple through Detroit’s economy. Governor Gretchen Whitmer praised the expansion, calling it “a direct investment in moms, babies, and the community” as residents face high costs for housing, food, and health care. Beyond Cash Support City officials say the Sheffield administration’s version of the program will include links to housing aid, transportation help, utility assistance, and free tax preparation services — designed to help families stretch their dollars further. “This isn’t just about short-term relief,” Sheffield said. “It’s about helping families build stability and access opportunity.” A Symbolic Start Sheffield, who campaigned on improving quality of life and affordability for Detroiters, unveiled the initiative at Franklin Wright Settlements alongside Dr. Hanna, community partners, and several expectant mothers. For the mayor, it’s a high-profile first step that sets the tone for her early agenda — signaling a focus on family support and local collaboration backed by state resources. Families seeking more information about the program can visit RxKids.org or the City of Detroit’s website. Enrollment details will be announced in the coming weeks.