Rx Kids is the nation’s first-ever, community-wide maternal and infant cash prescription program, founded and directed by Dr. Mona Hanna, pediatrician and Associate Dean of Public Health at Michigan State University College of Human Medicine. Often known as Dr. Mona, she was recognized by TIME as one of the 100 Most Influential People in the World and by USA Today as one of its Women of the Century for her role in uncovering the Flint water crisis and advancing recovery efforts. Most recently, she was named to the TIME100 Health list for leading Rx Kids.
Rx Kids is administered by GiveDirectly, the global leader in safe and secure cash transfers. Rx Kids has efficiently delivered direct support to thousands of families across dozens of communities—strengthening family financial security, improving maternal and infant health, and boosting local economies. Rx Kids is built on a strong network of partners who bring together academic leadership, community expertise, and public–private investment to make this vision possible. Co-founded by Professor Luke Shaefer and in collaboration with Poverty Solutions at the University of Michigan, Rx Kids is implemented in partnership with local Community Champions and stakeholders who drive outreach, engagement, and celebration. Sustained through a robust public–private partnership that blends state investment with philanthropic and other support, Rx Kids reimagines what’s possible with a prescription for health, hope, and opportunity.