A program to help the parents of newborns get financial support is coming to several communities in Berrien County.

According to the Berrien County Health Department, RX Kids expanding into Benton Harbor, Niles, Buchanan, and Benton Township. The program is led by Michigan State University and administered by GiveDirectly, and it’s the nation’s first-ever communitywide prenatal and infant cash prescription program.

In a promotional video, RX Kids explained how it can help families.

“Moms receive $1,500 during pregnancy and babies receive $500 a month for either 6 or 12 months after birth. RX Kids prescribes efficiency and flexibility that gives families the support they need at a time when they need it the most.”

A mom who benefitted from the program said it’s made her life easier.

“RxKids allowed me to stay home to rest and recover after giving birth. It’s helped me spend more time nurturing and loving my newborn. When I go back to work, RxKids will help pay for child care.”

The health department says when RX Kids launches in Berrien County, families who live in the eligible communities can enroll in the program and receive a one-time $1,500 payment during mid-pregnancy and $500 per month for the first six months of the baby’s life. It says it will support outreach, engagement, and celebration around the expansion.

A formal program launch event will take place at 11 a.m. on January 7 at the Berrien County Conference Room at the Berrien County Health Department building in Benton Harbor.