The Cape Elizabeth native says she is focused on rebuilding weakened programs in areas such as child protection, public health and rural mental health.
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 inUncategorized
Advocates urge decriminalization, safe injection sites in opioids crisis report
The Maine Coalition for Sensible Drug Policy calls for efforts to end the stigma attached to substance use disorder and invest in harm-reduction strategies.
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Posted inBusiness, Politics
Health groups take aim at insurance companies’ medication policies
A pending bill would give doctors and patients more say when insurance companies balk at reimbursement and require them to try less expensive alternatives to prescribed medication or treatment.
Posted inPolitics
Mills administration names new director of MaineCare services
Michelle Probert, who oversees health and wellness programs at Bath Iron Works, was a manager in the MaineCare program during the first term of former Gov. Paul Lepage.
Posted inBusiness, News, Politics
Lawmaker proposing MaineCare dental benefit for low-income adults
The proposal by Rep. Drew Gattine would make Maine the 34th state to provide some form of dental coverage, which is now available only to children under the Medicaid program.
Posted inPolitics
Maine Gov. Mills rejects work requirements LePage sought for Medicaid
The Trump administration approved the requirements just days before Paul LePage left office, but Gov. Janet Mills says that change would leave more Mainers uninsured.
Posted inNews, Politics
Advocates think bill to end most exemptions from childhood vaccinations has a shot
Maine has the nation’s 7th-highest rate of non-medical opt-outs and high rates of infectious diseases like whooping cough.
Posted inBusiness, Politics
House speaker proposes new tax to fund paid leave for Maine workers
Democrat Sara Gideon’s bill would go beyond a federal law requiring most employers to give unpaid leave, and she says that would help Maine build ‘a strong, vibrant workforce.’
Posted inNews, Politics
Mainers to get food stamps early so shutdown won’t leave them without February benefits
About one in seven Maine families relies on food stamps, including many households with elderly or disabled residents.
Posted inLocal & State
Maine reports 3 flu deaths, and more than 500 cases, so far this season
More cases had been reported at this time last winter, but public health experts say the viruses are unpredictable and urge Mainers: ‘Go get your flu shot.’