A Telegram investigation of the Augusta facility unearths troubling evidence of a culture of abuse and a staff ill-equipped to cope with the mentally ill.
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, News
State high court dismisses Trask infant DNR case
With the LePage administration and DHHS agreeing that Aleah Trask’s mother should make do not resuscitate decisions, the court dismissed the case.
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Posted inHealth, Local & State
State posts health insurance premiums
Rates will decrease slightly or stay the same on Maine marketplace for individuals.
Posted inLocal & State, News
LePage reverses position on infant DNR case
Governor’s administration takes the side of the Augusta mother, who doesn’t want a do not resuscitate order for child alleged injured by her father.
Posted inHealth
Maine AG seeks reinstatement of Riverview certification
The state argues that it submitted the proper correction plans and that it “was denied a hearing” about its efforts to fix deficiences at the state psychiatric hospital in Augusta.
Posted inHealth, Local & State
ALS ice bucket challenge expected to boost research funds
Jackson Lab in Bar Harbor expects the influx of money to increase demand for their genetically engineered mice for ALS research.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Incidence of Lyme disease increasing rapidly in Maine
Many victims don’t realize they have been infected until long after a tick bites them, and the disease is beileved to be heavily under-reported.
Posted inHealth, Local & State
Pro-vaccine forces seek tighter requirements in Maine law
“There’s a sense of urgency now,” said Rep. Anne Graham, D-Yarmouth, citing a potential return of diseases that could endanger even the vaccinated.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Riverview’s recertification is months and millions away
With the center decertified, no federal money can be used and the state must pay back that which it has used
Posted inHealth, Local & State, News
More Maine families are skipping or delaying childhood vaccines
Public health advocates worry the trend could lead to outbreaks of long-controlled diseases.