Rogers Celebrates Rx Kids Expansion in Kalamazoo

KALAMAZOO, Mich., Aug. 28, 2024 — State Rep. Julie M. Rogers (D-Kalamazoo), who is chair of the House Health Policy Committee, celebrated the expansion of the Rx Kids program in Kalamazoo yesterday. Kalamazoo Rx Kids will increase access to early childhood essentials for over 800 babies and their families through cash prescriptions. The program will launch in 2025.

The recently passed state budget allocated $20 million in federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) funds for the Rx Kids program. Recipients will receive a cash prescription of $1,500 during pregnancy and $500 each month for the first year of a baby’s life.

The Kalamazoo Community Foundation made an inaugural investment towards the program in May, followed by investments from the Bronson Health Foundation and the United Way of South Central Michigan. The Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) of Kalamazoo conducted a survey which showed that this program will help families immensely, which was amplified by Jameca Patrick-Singleton, the executive director of Cradle Kalamazoo and vice president of community health for YWCA Kalamazoo.

The Stryker Johnston Foundation recently announced a $5 million investment in the Kalamazoo Rx Kids program, which will fully fund its first year.

“I’m so grateful to my colleagues in the Michigan Legislature and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer for including $20 million in next year’s state budget to expand the Rx Kids program into cities like Kalamazoo,” Rogers said. “I’m hopeful cash payments to expecting mothers, particularly low-income mothers, will provide hope and opportunity for our next generation of families while decreasing disparities in their health and wellbeing.”

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