As of Jan. 12, pregnant residents of the City of Saginaw, Bridgeport Township, and Buena Vista Township can apply for Rx Kids, a maternal and infant support program providing direct financial assistance during pregnancy and early infancy.
Eligible participants will receive $1,500 during pregnancy, followed by $500 per month for the first six months after birth. Any baby born on or after Jan. 1, 2026 is eligible.
Rx Kids is led by Michigan State University and has already supported more than 5,000 families statewide, improving maternal health outcomes and strengthening family financial stability.
SCF is proud to financially support and serve as the fiscal sponsor for the local expansion of the program.
“Our mission is to bring people and resources together for an equitable community and that’s exactly what Rx Kids represents,” said Reneé Johnston, president & CEO, Saginaw Community Foundation. “When we invest in moms and babies early, the impact lasts for generations.”
Local health leaders emphasized the importance of early support in a county where nearly half of all births occur within the three participating communities.
“When families have stability, health follows,” said Christina Harrington, health officer, Saginaw County Health Department. “Babies are healthier, moms are healthier, and families are stronger.”
Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha, director of Rx Kids and associate dean at Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, noted that pregnancy and infancy represent a uniquely critical window.
“Families struggle the most during pregnancy and infancy,” Hanna-Attisha said. “If there was ever a moment to surround families with stability, it’s during this time.”
For local moms, the impact is deeply personal. One expectant Saginaw mother shared how learning about Rx Kids eased her stress.
“It felt like a huge burden was lifted,” she said. “Baby items are so expensive and knowing I have support helps me focus on staying healthy for my baby.”
Rx Kids is supported through a public-private partnership, including funding from the State of Michigan, Saginaw Community Foundation donors, Covenant HealthCare, TriStar Trust Foundation, and community partners.
“We see the data, and we see the impact on moms and babies,” Johnston added. “This is the kind of investment that strengthens our community for the long term.”
Learn more at RxKids.org.