The US DHHS slashed more than $11 billion nationwide, leaving public health officials in Maine and around the nation scrambling to assess the implications.
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, Politics
Social Security official ended program for Maine newborns because he was ‘ticked’ at Mills
Rep. Chellie Pingree said the rationale given by Lee Dudek, the acting commissioner of the Social Security Administration, is ‘infuriating and absurd.’
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Posted inHealth, Local & State, Politics
Maine lawmakers urged to keep children from languishing in hospital emergency departments
A bill sponsored by Sen. Joseph Baldacci, D-Bangor, would create 3 ‘crisis centers’ to reduce the number of children stuck in hospitals with no place to go.
Posted inHealth
Tick activity surges in Maine with arrival of warmer weather
If you spot a tick right now, it’s most likely an adult deer tick, which can transmit Lyme disease.
Posted inLocal & State
New Gloucester business upended by USAID cutbacks
The founder of Planson International, which provides IT and communications support for USAID recipients in developing countries, says its revenue could be cut in half this year if the dismantling of USAID stands.
Posted inHealth, Local & State, Politics
Medicaid cuts would be devastating, Rep. Pingree, health care providers and patients say
A bill that will likely include substantial cuts to the program has passed the U.S. House and will be considered by the Senate this year.
Posted inHealth, Local & State
Is measles coming to Maine? Will my vaccination protect me?
With a major outbreak in Texas and New Mexico, Maine CDC Director Dr. Puthiery Va answers questions about vaccinations, the risks of the disease, and reports of alternative prevention methods and treatments.
Posted inLocal & State, Nation & World, Schools and Education
Dr. Nirav Shah, former Maine CDC director, taking post at Colby College
Until last month, Shah had been serving as a principal deputy director at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Key position at Maine VA hospital is spared, but agency still plans massive cuts
A radiation safety officer position once slated for elimination is not part of the latest round of cuts, the VA confirmed.
Posted inHealth, Local & State, Politics
Sen. King demands answers about latest round of Veterans Affairs cuts
A plan to cut hundreds of contracted workers may include a key ‘radiation safety officer’ position and other jobs at the Togus VA Medical Center in Augusta.