While no-cost screenings are available, the state lacks treatment options, especially for low-income addicts.
Joe Lawlor
Staff Writer
Joe Lawlor writes about health and human services for the Press Herald. A 24-year newspaper veteran, Lawlor has worked in Ohio, Michigan and Virginia before relocating to Maine in 2013 to join the Press Herald. He is still considered “from away” but since then, he has learned what a “dooryard” is, eaten “whoopie pies” drank Moxie and boiled some “lobstahs.” The stories he enjoys most are when he learns something and meeting inspiring people.
He lives in South Portland - aka “SoPo” - with his wife, Melanie, and two school-age children.
Deaths of retired couple, son rattle Boothbay Harbor
Autopsies will continue today on the bodies of Carol and Svend Jorgensen and their son Eric, described as ‘delightful people’ and ‘pillars of the community.’
After House sustains LePage veto, vaccine advocates say they’ll be back
The governor vetoed a bill that would have required parents to consult with medical professionals and get signatures before being allowed to forgo vaccines for their children.
Maine Legislature clears way for long-term Lyme disease treatment
A bill to shield doctors from license sanctions for prescribing long-term antibiotics becomes law without the governor’s signature.
Maine House passes bill to tighten vaccine exemptions
The margin isn’t wide enough to overcome an expected veto by Gov. Paul LePage, who says parents should have a right to choose whether their children are vaccinated
Car-window wish for kidney rewarded: Maine woman receives lifesaving transplant
Both patient and donor are reported to be doing well after surgery, capping an unusual story of strangers and sacrifice.
MaineCare cuts imperil addicts seeking treatment
With eligibility requirements tightened for the state’s Medicaid program, more people are caught in the revolving door of short-term detoxification.
Press Herald pressing Maine CDC to identify schools with chickenpox outbreaks
A public records request seeks disclosures to keep Mainers informed about the highly infectious disease, so they can take steps to protect themselves
Lyme treatment legislation garners bipartisan support
Since Maine doctors risk sanctions for prescribing antibiotics, many patients seek remedy out of state.
Supreme Court kills governor’s appeal to allow MaineCare cuts
LePage spent over $100,000 to take his fight to the highest court, but 6,500 young adults will still keep their health coverage.