Rx Kids: The Power of Early

(October 1, 2026)-The journey from pregnancy to birth is one of our most exciting human events. Yet pregnancy and the six months immediately following birth can be one of the most expensive and complex periods of parenting. Programs that provide early and sustained investment during these months are crucial to allowing families to focus on their newest addition instead of a growing mountain of debt and worry.

As the president of First Steps Kent, I take great pride in working alongside my team to promote the importance of healthy pregnancy and early childhood. We work with parents, community leaders, educators, and health experts to ensure our community is a place where young children can grow and flourish while parents simultaneously feel welcome, supported, and heard. We’ve all witnessed that moment when a baby catches our eye and the feeling of true happiness they elicit inside each of us. Through combined efforts focused on kids, we get to continue these momentary connections through quality early childhood programs and services that make the world a better place for them to grow.

Part of our work at First Steps Kent is serving as Kent County’s funding administrator for the Ready by Five Early Childhood millage. Established in 2018, the residents of Kent County have invested more than $50 million toward parents and children birth through five with a focus on healthy development, early learning, parent support, and resource location. Our community recognized an unmet need and came together to prioritize early, dedicated, and sustained investment for both current and future newborns.

The evidence is clear. Access to prenatal care results in better outcomes for moms. Programs that provide resources create safer and healthier environments for newborns. Services that support parents simultaneously support the foundations in babies for healthy development and set the stage for lifelong learning.

Like our community vision, Rx Kids has boldly reimagined how we care for each other by walking alongside families during the challenging time of pregnancy and infancy outlined above. Beginning July 1, 2026, Rx Kids expanded to Grand Rapids in zip code, 49507. First Steps Kent is proud to partner with Rx Kids to serve as your local champion alongside the Grand Rapids Community Foundation as your local funding administrator.

Rx Kids supplements what we’ve already started. It blends state investment with local philanthropic and other support, to reimagine what’s possible with a prescription for health, hope, and opportunity. The program has efficiently delivered direct support to thousands of families across Michigan communities—strengthening family financial security, improving maternal and infant health, and boosting local economies. On average, 98% of all pregnant mothers within Rx Kids communities enroll. Overall, mothers in these communities report earlier and more frequent prenatal care, a reduction in smoking during pregnancy, and improved birth outcomes (higher birth weight, lower incidents of NICU care). These mothers use prescription dollars to pay for basic needs. Basic needs that are often left uncovered due to a loss of employment or unpredictable employability. This innovative program has also seen an economic “trickle up” effect of more than $46.55 million across Michigan. Our babies benefit when moms are cared for, and their communities rally around and for them.

For 49507, the Power of Early means prioritizing maternal health, birth & delivery, post-partum care, and infant support. This happens through creating and connecting current resources with new ones.

The early impact in 49507 is real. Three months in, Rx Kids has prescribed $269,500 in cash support, enrolled 145 families, and welcomed 83 babies. Just as importantly, 88% of applications have come during pregnancy, meaning families are connecting with support when it can matter most. The program is also reaching families with significant financial need: 65% report household income under $50,000 a year, and 23% report income under $10,000.

Now think about your current or former self. Could you or would you (a partner, family member, or friend) benefit from / have benefited from an additional $1,500 during pregnancy, and $500 each month for six months once the baby arrived?

Local moms are saying yes to healthier outcomes for themselves and their babies. Families are saying yes to support that helps them focus on preparing for a new child. Our business community is saying yes to a stronger, more family-friendly place to live and work.

The Power of Early is already making a difference in 49507. Please join me in celebrating what is possible when a community invests in its youngest residents and the families who care for them.

-Jennifer Headley-Nordman, President, First Steps Kent