RxKids

Hawaiʻi

Direct cash support for pregnant mothers and babies
RxKids Hero Image

What is RxKids?

RxKids is a groundbreaking program that provides no-strings-attached financial support to pregnant mothers. There are many successful RxKids programs in cities across Michigan.

Love Childcare Center

No Strings Attached

Families decide how to use the funds based on their unique needs—whether for rent, food, baby supplies, or other essentials.

Universal Support

Every pregnant mother in participating communities receives support—no complicated eligibility requirements or means testing.

Critical First Year

Monthly payments continue throughout baby's first year, providing stability during the most important developmental period.

Benefits of RxKids

Better Health Outcomes

  • Preterm births reduced by up to 18% and low birthweight by 27% [Source]
  • Infant maltreatment allegations reduced by 32% [Source]
  • Postpartum depression screenings dropped by 14 percentage points [Source]
  • $6.2 million in annual healthcare savings from improved birth outcomes [Source]

Child Development

  • 80% of participants report RxKids helped them become more confident parents [Source]
  • Reduced NICU admissions establish stronger developmental foundations [Source]
  • Funds enable direct investments in home learning environments and enrichment materials [Source]
  • 59% found it easier to obtain needed healthcare [Source]

Housing Stability

  • 91% decrease in evictions among RxKids participants [Source]
  • Average reduction in housing debt of over $1,000 per family [Source]
  • 57% of participants used funds explicitly for rent payments [Source]
  • Represents a 75% income expansion for lowest-income families [Source]

Food Security

  • 78% of participants use RxKids funds for food purchases [Source]
  • 8.2% increase in families reporting they have "enough of the kinds of foods we want" [Source]
  • Cash enables purchase of preferred nutritious foods rather than reliance on emergency assistance
  • Better nutrition supports improved maternal health and birth outcomes [Source]

Economic Mobility

  • Economic benefits exceed program costs by 2.4 times [Source]
  • Every dollar invested generates ~$1.60 in local economic activity [Source]
  • 88% of participants report the program helped them make ends meet and feel financially secure [Source]
  • 40% of economic gains flow to families in the lowest income quintile [Source]

Family Bonding

  • Mothers report feeling more loved, valued, empowered, and respected [Source]
  • "My mental space is different, so I'm happy to be happy for my baby" — Participant [Source]
  • Reduced financial stress enables greater emotional availability for children [Source]
  • Trust in healthcare institutions rose by 10 percentage points [Source]

Key Hardship Improvements

Among Flint mothers, comparing 2024 (eligible for Rx Kids) to 2023:

13.0%
Reduction in owing back rent or mortgage
4.2%
Reduction in eviction risk after birth
14.0%
Reduction in food insecurity
$1,004
Less back rent/mortgage owed on average

Maternal Mental Health & Well-being

Adjusted estimates for mental health show:

14.0%
Reduction in screening positive for postpartum depression
6.0%
Reduction in uncontrollable worrying

Source: American Journal of Public Health

Hawaiʻi's families are struggling

Child Poverty in Hawaiʻi by Household Type

In Hawaiʻi, more than 1 out of 4 children with single mothers are in poverty.

6.4%
Married Couple
11.3%
Single Father
26.6%
Single Mother

Source: U.S. Census Bureau

Center-Based Care

Affordability Analysis 2024

Annual Center-Based Care Cost
$24,115
($2,010 per month)
Percentage of single-parent median income
49.0%

Nearly half of income goes to childcare

Percentage of married-couple median income
17.9%

Source: Child Care Aware of America 2024 Analysis

How RxKids would work in Hawaiʻi

1

Pregnancy Enrollment

Pregnant mothers enroll in the program at 16+ weeks of pregnancy.

2

Initial Payment

Receive $1,500 during pregnancy to prepare for baby's arrival.

3

Monthly Support

After birth, receive $500 monthly throughout baby's first year.

Cost

RxKids $3,000 For Each Baby
#
Last Block

Learn More About RxKids

Discover how this innovative program is transforming communities and supporting families across the nation.

Visit RxKids.org About the Program
0
Skip to Content
Home
Who We Are
Hawai’i’s Tax System
Tax Revenue
Tax Credits
In The News
Ways to Get Involved
Contact Your Legislator
HI Tax Fairness Coal
HI Tax Fairness Coal
Subscribe
Home
Who We Are
Hawai’i’s Tax System
Tax Revenue
Tax Credits
In The News
Ways to Get Involved
Contact Your Legislator
HI Tax Fairness Coal
HI Tax Fairness Coal
Subscribe
Home
Folder: About
Back
Who We Are
Hawai’i’s Tax System
Folder: Priorities
Back
Tax Revenue
Tax Credits
In The News
Folder: Get Involved
Back
Ways to Get Involved
Contact Your Legislator
Subscribe

  • About

  • Get Involved

  • Subscribe

733 Bishop Street, Suite 1180
Honolulu, HI 96813
info@hitaxfairness.org

Copyright © 2025 Hawaiʻi Tax Fairness Coalition. All rights reserved.