KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – Kalamazoo has been struggling for decades to improve a high infant mortality rate, and county commissioners will receive a presentation Tuesday on a program adopted in Flint, where the death rate is even worse.
The idea of the RX Kids program is to provide a small, guaranteed income to all new and expectant women to help during that first critical year of life.
Commissioners will receive a presentation from staff, and Jameca Patrick-Singleton, the director of Cradle Kalamazoo.
In Flint, new moms get a $1,500 payment and $500 a month through the first birthday of the newborn. Flint officials are funding it through grants, foundations and other sources.
Separately, Kalamazoo city commissioners have put the program on their priority list for consideration in next year’s budget. Staff is exploring options for funding.
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