The Mills administration and lawmakers have invested $34 million in mental health initiatives, but critics say it’s not enough.
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.
Posted inLocal & State
Northern lights likely to put on a show in Maine on Friday, Saturday nights
The aurora borealis is difficult to predict, but keep an eye on the northern sky on Friday and Saturday evenings.
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Posted inLocal & State, News
Maine health and human services commissioner is stepping down
Jeanne Lambrew, who led the department through the COVID-19 pandemic, will begin a job at a Washington-based think tank and teach at Harvard University.
Posted inHealth, Local & State, News
MaineHealth helping test new Lyme vaccine
A researcher says earlier tests on vaccine show promise. If proven safe and effective, it could be ready for public rollout in 2 to 3 years.
Posted inHealth, Local & State, News
Researchers launching tick study after record year for Lyme disease
Scientists want to learn how the weather and other wildlife influence deer tick populations and the health risks to humans. The state already has recorded 261 Lyme disease cases this year.
Posted inUncategorized
Maine reaches milestone for school-required vaccinations
The state’s K-12 schools reached “herd immunity” – when at least 95% of a population is vaccinated – for the first time since 2011, health officials said Tuesday.
Posted inHealth, Local & State, News
Maine lawmakers approve slimmed-down version of hospital facility fee bill
The measure now goes to Gov. Janet Mills, who has not yet taken a position on the bill.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Advocates for ban on flavored tobacco decry lack of vote in Maine House
The legislation died Thursday, and proponents would have to introduce a new version next legislative session.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Maine Legislature preserves expansion of Medicare Savings Programs
Lawmakers rejected an effort by the Mills administration to scale back the expansion, preserving benefits for an estimated 45,000 newly eligible low-income Mainers.
Posted inLocal & State, Nation & World, News
Maine delegation joins call to require brain screenings for military in wake of Lewiston mass shooting
The U.S. Army reservist who killed 18 people in Lewiston in October had been exposed to ‘thousands of low-level blasts’ during years of grenade training, and the damage has been linked to mental health and behavioral changes he exhibited before the shooting.