Rx Kids cites success at policy conference

MACKINAC ISLAND, Mich. (WILX) - Rx Kids took center stage at the Mackinac Policy Conference Thursday, where its founder stressed the need for expansion as Michigan families face an affordability crisis.

The nonprofit out of Michigan State University said newly released data shows the program is working, but Rx Kids is fighting skepticism from some state leaders.

Dr. Mona Hanna said Rx Kids is limiting the impact of poverty in communities like Flint, Detroit and Kalamazoo.

With the program’s state funding up for negotiation in next year’s budget, she wants policymakers to recognize its benefits.

Program shows health improvements

“We are significantly reducing involvement in the very costly child welfare system,” Hanna said.

Hanna said Rx Kids operates on one guiding principle: to keep moms and babies healthy. At the state policy conference, she said the cash-in-hand program for new and pregnant moms is proving successful.

“For some folks this is an answer to the impossible cost of childcare. For some communities this is helping with housing stability. We had a 90% drop in evictions,” Hanna said.

Hanna pointed to a new study in the Lancet Public Health Journal showing Rx Kids reduced pre-term births in Flint by 18% over two years.

Lawmaker questions program spending

The nonprofit now operates in dozens of Michigan communities, but House Speaker Matt Hall has repeatedly questioned its use of state funding. Hall called for a budget cut last month, claiming some of the money is being misused.

“I talk to people in Kalamazoo who are involved in this, and they tell me they see people that spend it on drugs and alcohol. They’re not spending it on food and formula,” said Hall, (R-Richland Township).

Hall said he takes issue with the program’s no-strings-attached policy.

Hanna told policymakers Thursday their model is worth the investment.

“In Flint of all places we’re seeing restored trust in government because of this simple common-sense intervention,” Hanna said.

Last year, Rx Kids received $270 million in state funding across three budget years.

Hall has proposed a 62% funding cut to Michigan State University because it houses the Rx Kids program.

Funding for both MSU and Rx Kids will depend on lawmakers who are still negotiating next year’s state budget.

New moms in Jackson County could soon reap the benefits of Rx Kids.

The program is expected to launch there on June 1.

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