RxKids

RxKids

Hawaiʻi

Direct cash support for pregnant mothers and their babies
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What is RxKids?

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

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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 the 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

Why Hawaiʻi's families need RxKids

How RxKids would work in Hawaiʻi

1

Pregnancy Enrollment

Pregnant mothers enroll in the program in their third trimester of pregnancy.

2

Initial Payment

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

3

Monthly Support

For the first 6 months after birth, receive $500 a month.

4

Additional Support

If funds are available, there will be another six monthly payments of $500.

Cost

RxKids $3,000 For Each Baby
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Learn More About RxKids

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

Visit RxKids.org About the Program