Even as Maine experiences record numbers of overdose deaths, the expanded availability and use of the lifesaving opioid antidote naloxone presents a competing narrative.
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, Uncategorized
UMaine gets federal funds for tick research as state sets record for Lyme disease cases
Maine’s U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King lobbied for the $6.2 million in research funding that’s part of the recently passed federal budget bill.
advertisement
Posted inBusiness, Local & State
Maine lawmakers to consider statewide ban on flavored tobacco products
State Sen. Jill Duson, D-Portland, is expected to submit a bill this week after South Portland, Portland, Brunswick and Bangor approved city bans.
Posted inLocal & State
Influenza cases decline in Maine, but thousands still falling ill
Maine reported 2,881 cases of influenza last week, a drop from 3,275 the week before.
Posted inHealth, Local & State
As the search for treatments continues, many Maine patients still struggle with long COVID
MaineHealth is participating in a national study of long COVID patients that many hope will lead to cures.
Posted inHealth, Local & State
Influenza cases continue to surge in Maine
Maine reported 3,275 new cases of flu on Tuesday.
Posted inHealth, Local & State
Influenza cases in Maine doubled in the last week
Maine recorded 1,720 new cases of influenza during the week ending Dec. 2, and flu-related hospitalizations nearly quadrupled from the previous week, going from 17 to 63.
Posted inLocal & State
RSV may be peaking in Maine, but flu hospitalizations are on the rise
Maine is seeing an increase in influenza cases and hospitalizations.
Posted inLocal & State
Maine CDC to receive $13.8 million federal grant
The money will be used to boost the state’s public health workforce.
Posted inLocal & State
Pertussis cases in Maine have plummeted since 2019
While anti-virus precautions taken during the COVID pandemic are a big reason for the decline, a state law boosting childhood immunization rates also may be a factor.