“Cash for Moms and Babies”: How it Works & Why  

Originally broadcast November 13, 2025

What if health care for moms and babies came with a cash prescription for them?

In this Conversations on Health Care episode, hosts Mark Masselli and Margaret Flinter welcome back Dr. Mona Hanna, the Flint pediatrician whose research exposed the city’s water crisis and sparked a national reckoning on environmental justice.

Now, Dr. Hanna returns to share powerful results from Rx Kids, the nation’s first community-wide prenatal and infant cash prescription program. By providing unconditional financial support to pregnant women and new mothers, Rx Kids is improving maternal health, reducing infant deaths, and strengthening emotional well-being for families across Michigan.

“This is about investing in people’s humanity,” says Dr. Hanna. “When we provide the resources parents need to care for their babies, we create healthier families and stronger communities.”

Dr. Hanna explains how this simple but transformative idea, grounded in science, dignity, and love, has already reached more than 3,600 families in 11 Michigan communities and distributed $15 million in direct support. She also highlights how advocates can bring this program to their community.

Listen to the full interview.

You can also revisit Dr. Hanna’s earlier appearance on the program, where she discussed her pivotal role in uncovering the Flint lead water crisis and creating the Pediatric Public Health Initiative.

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