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.
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PublishedMay 11, 2023
Patients, advocates clash with hospitals over bill to restrict facility fees in medical bills
The fees are often included to cover operating costs and pay for uncompensated services, hospital officials say, but they can leave patients on the hook for hundreds or thousands of dollars.
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PublishedMay 5, 2023
With COVID-19 public health emergency ending, Maine CDC website to stop updating vaccination numbers
The state will still update COVID-19 case counts, hospitalizations and deaths.
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PublishedMay 5, 2023
Maine child tests positive for measles – state’s 1st case since 2019
The state is working to notify anyone who might have come into contact with the unidentified child.
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PublishedMay 1, 2023
Ticks reemerging in Maine after slow start to the season
Experts are urging caution after a record number of Lyme disease cases were reported in 2022.
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PublishedApril 28, 2023
Maine Legislature may restrict ‘facility fees’ charged by hospitals
The legislation was drafted after a Press Herald investigation revealed that some health care providers add the fees without disclosure or explanation.
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PublishedApril 26, 2023
MaineHealth drops COVID-19 masking requirement
Masks are no longer required at MaineHealth or Northern Light Health medical facilities statewide, effectively putting an end to the emergency measure in most situations 3 years after the pandemic began.
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PublishedApril 25, 2023
Debate heats up on Maine’s proposed flavored tobacco ban
Lawmakers listened to testimony during a public hearing on Thursday.
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PublishedApril 24, 2023
Legislature considers stronger penalties for assaulting medical providers
Lawmakers heard testimony on a bill to make it easier to file felony-level charges for assaults against emergency health care workers, something proponents say is becoming more common. The state hospital and police chiefs association support the legislation, while defense lawyers oppose it.
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PublishedApril 23, 2023
Housing-first strategy ties stable residences with social services
The legislation could be transformative, supporters say, sharply reducing Maine’s chronic homelessness.
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PublishedApril 19, 2023
Portland region’s air quality gets mixed reviews, while Bangor’s is pristine, report says
American Lung Association’s report shows that ozone pollution is declining in much of the United States, but increased slightly in southern and coastal Maine.
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