Michigan as a Model to Address Infant Poverty

New Rx Kids Program Funded by $16.5M in State Budget

Rx Kids, the nation’s first citywide prenatal and infant cash allowance program, receives approval of $16.5M from the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) block grant in the FY2024 Michigan budget to propel a healthy start for all Flint babies during the critical first year of life.

Pediatrics and Public Health: Training the Next Generation of Changemakers

On the way to the first day of her summer internship, Maya Wolock listened to Hillary Clinton interview Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha on a podcast. She couldn’t believe she was listening to her direct supervisor speak on a high-profile platform. “I gave myself a case of the first-day jitters,” Wolock said. Her nerves quickly turned to excitement after meeting her fellow interns and the faculty and staff of Michigan State University and Hurley Children’s Hospital’s Pediatric Public Health Initiative (PPHI) in Flint.

2023 Difference Makers Award Winners

The Charles Stewart Mott Department of Public Health Awards Committee is proud to announce the recipients of the inaugural Difference Makers awards. These awards recognize the hard work of faculty members, staff members, and community partners. 

Air Pollution’s Impact on the Health of Michiganders

Air pollutant exposures are associated with adverse birth outcomes and worsening symptoms of asthma, heart disease, and other chronic diseases. How can Michiganders track local forecasted air quality? Robert Wahl, DVM, MS, assistant professor in the College of Human Medicine’s Master of Public Health program, explains how.

$500,000 Grant to Support Moms and Babies in Flint

Michigan State University receives 1 of 42 grants awarded from the Michigan Health Endowment Fund. $500,000 will support Flint Rx Kids, the first citywide cash allowance program in the United States.

Flint Lead Free Report Highlights $202 Million in Economic Benefits

The 2023 Flint Lead Free report captures city-wide lead elimination efforts. Building upon previous years (2017 and 2021), this report features broad and proactive efforts to reduce environmental lead exposure, share progress made from new investments and strategic partnerships, demonstrate the positive impact of lead elimination, and highlight the excellent work of partners.

Rx Kids Program Aims to Tackle Poverty to Improve the Health of City of Flint Moms and Babies

Thanks to an intended $15 million “challenge” grant from the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation, Flint moms and babies could soon benefit from an innovative program that boldly tackles a root cause of health disparities – poverty. Rx Kids will be the first citywide program in the United States to address maternal and infant poverty with the novel approach of unconditional cash allowances to ALL City of Flint pregnant moms and babies. 

Why Michigan Needs Tutoring to Improve Tobacco Grades

Michigan continues to struggle to protect residents from tobacco products' harmful effects.

As a typical overachiever, receiving any grade lower than an “A” has always been terrifying. However, Michigan recently did just that. Across three out of five domains, Michigan failed the American Lung Association Tobacco Control Report Card.^[1]

National Public Health Week 2023

During National Public Health Week, April 3 - 9, we honor faculty, alumni, students, staff, community partners, and professionals that are dedicated to making communities safer, stronger, and healthier. Together we strive to create the healthiest nation.

We invite you to check out highlights of some of the work being accomplished by Spartans working in public health. 

Black History Month: Celebrating Public Health Heroes

In recognition of Black History Month, we're highlighting Spartans in Public Health who dedicate their talents to addressing health disparities. We are inspired by the public health leadership of our community. Together we stand for health justice. Explore the important work of our leadership and faculty. 

Student Q&A: Lauryn Allen

As soon as she stepped foot on MSU's campus, Lauryn Allen knew she was meant to be a Spartan. Her passion for helping underserved groups and using research to understand social determinants of health inspired her to continue her education at MSU and pursue her Master of Public Health. Following a successful summer internship, she currently works as a graduate research assistant for a study focusing on cervical cancer prevention. 

Read more about Lauryn in this Q&A.