Hanna speaks at the Rx Kids launch event in Detroit, one of many moments in which the trailblazing scientist uses her 'superpower' — giving back and serving her community. Photo by Nick Schrader
Today, when a baby is born in Flint, the challenges of daily life look much different than they did just a few years ago.
Through a first-of-its-kind program called Rx Kids, families now receive direct cash support during pregnancy and a child’s first year — an approach designed to reduce infant poverty and improve long-term health outcomes. The program is the vision of Michigan State University physician Mona Hanna, who believes preventing poverty may be one of the most powerful forms of medicine.
And prevention is something she thinks about every day.