March 18, 2025, marks a vibrant celebration of excellence and innovation as Dr. Mona Hanna, the distinguished co-creator of Rx Kids, earns a spot on USA TODAY’s 2025 Women of the Year list. This honor shines the spotlight on women who have made profound contributions to their communities and the nation, and Hanna certainly fits this illustrious bill.
Rx Kids: A Beacon of Hope and Change
In a heartfelt statement, Dr. Hanna expressed her gratitude, reflecting on the Spartan spirit’s unyielding pursuit of monumental problems and transformative solutions. “This recognition is a tremendous honor of our Spartan-led work to do the impossible. This is what being a Spartan is all about, especially at the College of Human Medicine,” Hanna stated with palpable pride.
Inspired by her own knowledge of the public health field, Hanna launched the groundbreaking Rx Kids initiative, providing expectant mothers with \(1,500 per month during pregnancy and \)500 monthly for the first year of the child’s life, free from the constraints of traditional means-testing. The trailblazing program has not only been lauded for its impact on reducing poverty and boosting health outcomes, but also for its success in eliminating housing evictions within low-income populations.
Flint to Statewide: Expanding the Vision
Hanna is no stranger to stepping into roles that demand advocacy and courage. Her involvement in uncovering the Flint water crisis a decade ago showcased her steadfast commitment to health equity. That same resolve is evident as Rx Kids expands beyond Flint to Kalamazoo and the eastern Upper Peninsula of Michigan.
As plans for further expansion loom, Dr. Hanna’s passion remains undeterred. Collaborations with Michigan’s Senate Democrats suggest a brighter future for statewide implementation through the proposed “Building Blocks” plan. In Hanna’s words, “I look forward to continuing to work with the Michigan Legislature to expand Rx Kids statewide so that every Michigan baby gets the strongest, healthiest start possible.”
Visionary Leadership and Beyond
Aron Sousa, MD, dean of the College of Human Medicine, praised Hanna’s tireless efforts, emphasizing how Rx Kids exemplifies a deep commitment to societal betterment, transcending geography and personal circumstance. “In the blue city of Flint and the red counties of the Eastern UP, the Rx Kids team is working to reduce child poverty one mom and one kid at a time,” Sousa remarked, accentuating the program’s non-discriminatory ethos.
Dr. Mona Hanna’s journey showcases an inspiring narrative of resilience, innovation, and unwavering commitment to community well-being. As stated in College of Human Medicine | Michigan State University, her achievements are not just honors bestowed but powerful reminders that dedicated efforts lead to transformative changes.
