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 inLocal & State
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, Local & State, 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 inBusiness, Local & State, News, Politics
Maine bill would preserve key benefits of ACA in event of repeal
Legislation supported by top Democrats would prohibit insurance companies from refusing coverage for pre-existing conditions and set other standards to help consumers.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
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 inHealth, Local & State, Maine Crime, News
Police hope arrest of mother whose baby ingested meth will lead her to treatment
But advocates say the arrest of the Bangor woman, who allegedly exposed her infant to methamphetamine while breastfeeding, could discourage drug users from seeking medical help for their children.
Posted inBusiness, Health, Local & State, 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 inLocal & State, Politics
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 inLocal & State, News, 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, Local & State, 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.’