Whitmer's Rx Kids program expands to three more Kalamazoo County communities starting June 1
Beginning June 1, the State of Michigan will launch its Rx Kids cash prescription program in Galesburg, Oshtemo Township, and Wakeshma Township. The expansion brings the prenatal and infant support program to an additional stretch of Kalamazoo County, following its earlier rollout in the City of Kalamazoo.
The program delivers direct cash payments to pregnant women and new mothers. Eligible families receive $1,500 during pregnancy and $500 per month for the first year of a child's life. That totals $7,500 per qualifying family.
"Rx Kids is a place-based program designed to improve maternal and infant health by addressing the economic hardship families face during pregnancy and infancy."
Program officials set specific eligibility requirements. Participants must be at least 16 weeks pregnant at enrollment. Newborns must be born on or after June 1, 2026 to qualify.
State funding backs local expansion
The expansion in Kalamazoo County is funded by three sources. The State of Michigan contributes state dollars. The Stryker Johnston Foundation and the Kalamazoo Community Foundation provide additional support. The Kalamazoo Community Foundation also serves as the local fiduciary for the program and is accepting contributions to sustain operations.
Families can enroll at RxKids.org.
Part of a statewide summer rollout
The Kalamazoo County expansion follows a previous announcement by Governor Gretchen Whitmer. She said the program would roll out to an additional 20 communities across Michigan this summer. That brings the total to more than 60 communities statewide, reaching over 23,000 births each year.
The program already operates in the City of Kalamazoo. The June 1 expansion extends it to three surrounding communities that had not yet been covered.
Families interested in learning more about eligibility and enrollment can visit RxKids.org.