DHHS claims Suboxone is a better treatment, but health experts disagree and question whether the state is practicing medicine.
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.
State epidemiologist position remains vacant
Officials won’t say why an out-of-state candidate rejected an offer; some worry about an erosion of Maine’s public health infrastructure.
Maine treatment for mental illness serves as national model
On hiatus but soon to be restarted, a program that began at Maine Medical Center has led the way toward early detection and treatment of schizophrenia.
Maine treatment for mental illness serves as national model
On hiatus but soon to be restarted, a program that began at Maine Medical Center has led the way toward early detection and treatment of schizophrenia.
Flu numbers highest in state since 2009-10
Maine’s CDC director says the vaccine is less effective against flu strains this year.
Maine to fill funding gap in Medicaid payments to physicians
The state will spend $7.8 million to cover federal cuts in reimbursements to doctors who treat MaineCare patients.
Health care sign-ups in Maine start strong at 36,000
New enrollees alone in the first month total 14,091, which should help the state further reduce its number of uninsured, estimated at 145,000.
Maine bill aims to make it harder for parents not to vaccinate children
The proposal requires parents to discuss vaccines with a medical professional before opting out on philosophical grounds.
Opening of urgent care clinic adds to Maine trend
ClearChoiceMD of Scarborough, which is not hospital-affiliated, is part of a national boom offering quicker and often cheaper treatment than emergency rooms.
Redefining care saves federal money, earns MaineHealth a $9.2 million windfall
Medicare compensates the parent of Maine Medical Center for efficiencies as the health care system moves toward rewarding prevention and patients’ outcomes.