MONTMORECY COUNTY — Michigan State University’s Rx Kids program, in partnership with the Thunder Bay Community Health Service (TBCHS), will host a virtual press conference on Wednesday to announce the expansion of Rx Kids to Montmorency County.

Rx Kids is the nation’s first community-wide prenatal and infant cash prescription program, according to a Michigan State University press release on Thursday.

On Wednesday, families who reside in Montmorency County, can enroll to receive a one-time $1,500 payment during mid-pregnancy and $500 per month for the first six months of their baby’s life, according to the release. All expectant mothers must be at least 16 weeks pregnant at the time of enrollment or have an infant born on or after Wednesday. To learn more, visit RxKids.org.

The release stated that Rx Kids is a program led by Michigan State University and administered by GiveDirectly. A public-private partnership, the initiative is made possible thanks to support from the State of Michigan and a three-year commitment from the Community Foundation for Northeast Michigan (CFNEM). TBCHS will serve as the local Community Champion, supporting outreach, engagement, and celebration.