LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — The new year is just a few days away and with it, several new laws will take effect in Arkansas on the first day of 2024.
Some of the biggest are focused on providing better health care coverage for the millions of people that call this place home, including an added focus on mental healthcare for some groups.
Two of those laws are specifically aimed to help new mothers, and people that work in public safety.
Starting on January 1st, Act 316 will require doctors to screen new moms for depression, and have insurance companies cover the cost.
As a licensed therapist, and new mom herself, Natasha Thorne understands the importance of postpartum mental health care.
"Those middle of the night moments, those, you know, up by myself, or just those times where the baby's upset... all of these things go into the mental health of moms," Thorne said.
Thorne explained that these requirements have been a need for a long time and could be a game changer for new moms in Arkansas.
"Screening is your first line of defense," she said, "Some moms may not even recognize it as such, they may not even realize that, 'Oh, what I'm going through is is depression,' or that there is help available."
A second law taking effect next week also pushes to make mental healthcare more accessible in the state. Act 537 will require a public employer to cover counseling resources for public safety employees after a traumatic event on duty.
The resources will be available to first responders like Battalion Chief Jeff Bennett with the North Little Rock Fire Department.
"There are certain runs that hit us a little bit harder than others; kids, children, people losing their homes, they're having their worst day of their life and we go experience that with them," Bennet said.
These services will be required to be available to not just firefighters, but also public safety officials like police officers, probation officers, surveillance officers, and juvenile detention officers.
"Mental health is something that takes its toll on you. No matter how strong you are, it can take its toll on you," Bennet added.
According to the CDC, law enforcement officers and firefighters are more likely to die by suicide than in the line of duty.
Bennett hopes the better access to mental health services, and less of a stigma around the topic will help everyone who needs it.
"We look out for each other. But having a professional to be able to reach out to makes a big difference," he added, saying this could be a lifesaver.
Another healthcare law going into effect next week will expand coverage for ambulance rides. It will require healthcare providers to cover trips that are coordinated through telemedicine with a doctor or behavioral specialist after a complaint is made.
A more comprehensive list of new laws taking effect in 2024 can be found here.