MaineHealth Lincoln Hospital is considering closing its maternity ward by the end of the year. A grassroots effort by local residents has formed to try to save it.
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 inHealth, Maine, News
Maine drug overdose deaths continue to decline so far this year
Nonfatal overdoses, meanwhile, have increased since 2025, although experts caution against drawing any conclusions about that trend.
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Posted inHealth, Maine, News
Thousands of children in Maine are no longer receiving food assistance benefits
A state official said Maine has seen a ‘sustained decrease’ in enrollment since changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program started going into effect.
Posted inHealth, Maine, News
MaineHealth receives grant to study PFAS exposure in children
The 5-year NIH grant will fund research into whether childhood exposure to ‘forever chemicals’ increases risk of obesity, diabetes and other health issues.
Posted inHealth, Maine, News
Maine insurers request ACA rate hikes for 2027
The average individual plan premium would increase by 16.8%. The Maine Bureau of Insurance is slated to finalize rates in August.
Posted inHealth, News
Deer, dog ticks are abundant in Maine right now. Here’s what to do about them.
Your frequently asked questions about ticks are answered
Posted inHealth, News
Patients suffering from long-term Lyme disease symptoms face difficulties
Researchers are studying post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome and why some patients have symptoms for months or years after being infected.
Posted inHealth, Maine, News
Jackson Lab lands $1.8M grant from Michael J. Fox Foundation
The foundation awarded the grant to Jackson Lab, which is studying genetic mutations that are risk factors for Parkinson’s.
Posted inBusiness, Health, Maine, News
Another Maine hospital could close its birthing center
If MaineHealth Lincoln Hospital closes its maternity ward in Damariscotta, it would continue a long-term trend in Maine of closures as the state’s birth rate drops.
Posted inHealth, Maine, News, Politics
Maine upholds decision to suspend Medicaid payments to service provider
The Department of Health and Human Services suspended payments in December to Gateway Community Services, which has denied allegations of fraud.