The decrease to 952 cases in 2017 came after a long period of increases coinciding with rising opioid use, but treatment experts say the epidemic still has the state firmly in its grip.
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 inMaine, News, Politics
After criticism, Maine lawmakers propose improving care for those with intellectual disabilities
The measures were prompted by a federal audit in August that highlighted the state’s failure to investigate 133 deaths, as well as other shortcomings in its oversight of community-based services.
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Posted inMaine, News
Maine researchers explore link between climate change and Lyme disease
Academic and health care investigators are learning more about the complex web of factors driving the expansion of tick habitat, including global warming.
Posted inMaine, News
Lyme disease vaccine sees only plodding progress
The FDA has approved clinical trials for one vaccine, but it will likely be years before a product goes to market to prevent a disease that affects at least 30,000 people in the U.S. each year.
Posted inNation & World, News, Politics
ACA bills that Sen. Collins tied to her vote for tax overhaul could be delayed longer
It’s not clear when Congress might get to the two measures Collins sought as an offset to the impacts of the tax reform bill, which eliminated the mandate that all Americans have health insurance.
Posted inMaine, News
Maine restoring public health nursing workforce
The Department of Health and Human Services is on its way to filling 50 positions to comply with a new state law motivated in part by a critical need for services in rural areas.
Posted inMaine, News
A hardy few ventured out early to enjoy relative calm before the storm
With much of the state hunkered down and waiting for the worst, a few Mainers take advantage of not having to go to work or school.
Posted inMaine, News
Brace yourself: Blizzard conditions Thursday, then more frigid cold
The National Weather Service issued a blizzard warning for coastal Maine starting at noon Thursday. Travel will be very
dangerous and up to 12 inches of new snow is expected.
Posted inMaine, News
Maine hospitals seeing surge in flu cases, mostly of more severe type
The state reports 373 cases and 99 hospitalizations through Dec. 23, up from 52 total cases for a similar period last year.
Posted inBusiness, Maine, News
Maine Med expansion plan calls for 8-week shutdown of part of Congress Street
Portland officials say they’re not ready to accept a closure of one of the major arteries on the peninsula and will search for alternatives.