Joe Lawlor

Portland Press Herald

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.

Latest

Published
May 1, 2023

Ticks reemerging in Maine after slow start to the season

Experts are urging caution after a record number of Lyme disease cases were reported in 2022.
Published
April 28, 2023

Maine Legislature may restrict ‘facility fees’ charged by hospitals

The legislation was drafted after a Press Herald investigation revealed that some health care providers add the fees without disclosure or explanation.
Published
April 26, 2023

MaineHealth drops COVID-19 masking requirement

Masks are no longer required at MaineHealth or Northern Light Health medical facilities statewide, effectively putting an end to the emergency measure in most situations 3 years after the pandemic began.
Published
April 25, 2023

Debate heats up on Maine’s proposed flavored tobacco ban

Lawmakers listened to testimony during a public hearing on Thursday.
Published
April 24, 2023

Legislature considers stronger penalties for assaulting medical providers

Lawmakers heard testimony on a bill to make it easier to file felony-level charges for assaults against emergency health care workers, something proponents say is becoming more common. The state hospital and police chiefs association support the legislation, while defense lawyers oppose it.
Published
April 23, 2023

Housing-first strategy ties stable residences with social services

The legislation could be transformative, supporters say, sharply reducing Maine’s chronic homelessness.
Published
April 19, 2023

Portland region’s air quality gets mixed reviews, while Bangor’s is pristine, report says

American Lung Association’s report shows that ozone pollution is declining in much of the United States, but increased slightly in southern and coastal Maine.
Published
April 17, 2023

Hospitals face new wave of competition from infusion centers

It’s the latest example of insurance companies partnering with independent centers to offer lower-cost outpatient services.
Published
April 12, 2023

Bill would mandate nurse-to-patient ratios in Maine hospitals

Supporters say nurses are spread thin and overworked, but the Maine Hospital Association says the mandate would restrict patient care.
Published
April 6, 2023

Clash over parents’ and students’ rights at hearing about school counselor rules

Parental rights advocates want the Legislature to block a proposed Department of Education rule that would direct school counselors to respect student confidentiality.