FLINT, MI — Who better to celebrate Valentine's Day than a Flint mother and her children?
To celebrate the launch of the nation's first citywide mother-child cash prescription program, Rx Kids is hosting two free community-wide events this Valentine's Day.
Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha said Rx Kids has already raised more than $43 million through donations from foundations, state governments and the ARPA Foundation.
“It's an impossible endeavor to do something that hasn't been done before, but we're making it possible,” said Hanna Attisha. “It quickly became a reality. So many people in so many fields believe in this idea. Believe in Flint, believe in the kids.”
A free event for children and adults will be held in Flint on Wednesday, February 14th.
Kicking off with a family-friendly event, the Flint Children's Museum will be open for a free family day on February 14 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The museum is located at 1602 University Ave.
Activities include a complimentary Rx Kids teddy bear named Rex, characters from books and costumes, yoga sessions, small live animals from Fomar Sanctuary and Arboretum, story time, and more.
Related: Rx Kids hosts Valentine's Day “Launch Bash”, a free event for kids and adults
“These events are so meaningful because fundamentally it's how we love each other and especially our children,” said Hannah Atisha. “It's about breaking poverty and improving health. … We're here, we're walking with you, and we're here for you and we're a village that loves you.” That's what we stand for and show to mothers and children in need.”
That evening from 7 to 9:30 p.m., the Capitol Theater, 140 E. Second St., will host an “adults-only, loving” evening produced by BeatsXBeers.
R&B artist Raheem DeVaughn and others will perform, as well as spoken word and speeches from Mama Sol, David Bright, Semaj Brown, Famestro, Flint Conservatory of Music, and Flint Freedom School.
“'All We Need is Love Launch Bash' is like a warm hug to me and my community,” said Rx Kids participant Alana Turner. “For me, Rx Kids is more than just a program, it’s a lifeline and a promise of support to all mothers in our city. It’s about coming together and supporting each other. , we are so excited to celebrate a future where our community will have the opportunity to experience love from so many caring people.”
The first 600 people at the Capitol Theater event will receive a free Rx Kids ice cream from the MSU Dairy Store.
Specialty mocktails for kids and cocktails for adults are also available for purchase.
Both events are free, but tickets are required. Click here to reserve your tickets.
Brandon Corder, founder and CEO of Beats x Beers, said: “This is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate Valentine's Day with lots of love. … Celebrate with us, get inspired, and learn how beneficial this program is by helping us help mothers and children in Flint. Please check.”
Related: How the Child Tax Credit became the predecessor to Dr. Mona's Rx Kids Cash Prescription Program
This program is supported by the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation, the State of Michigan, the WK Kellogg Foundation, the Ruth Mott Foundation, the City of Flint, the Michigan Health Endowment Foundation, the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Foundation, the Children's Foundation, and the community. This is realized by Establishment of Greater Flint and many other foundations.
Rx Kids, which launched in January, gives every expectant mother in Flint a cash prescription worth $1,500 during pregnancy and $500 a month for the first year of the baby's life. The program is led by Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha, whose research helped shed light on Flint's water crisis.
More than 300 families have already signed up and more than $400,000 has been dispensed, said Hannah Attisha.
Generally, those dollars go back into the local economy, so that's a benefit, she said.
“Our eyes are never just on Flint, but on children and communities around the world. The question is: how do we change the narrative and change policies to impact children around the world?” “Do we do it?” Hanna Atisha said. “I think we do a lot of great things, but we often forget to celebrate all the good things that happen. It's important to take time to celebrate this historic moment.
“We have made the impossible possible. It's important to take a step back and celebrate it in a loving way. This day is Valentine's Day because it's about love and the love we should give our children. I’m so glad it’s Day.”
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