Joe Lawlor

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
December 29, 2022

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.
Published
December 27, 2022

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.
Published
December 24, 2022

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.
Published
December 20, 2022

Influenza cases continue to surge in Maine

Maine reported 3,275 new cases of flu on Tuesday.
Published
December 6, 2022

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.
Published
December 4, 2022

RSV may be peaking in Maine, but flu hospitalizations are on the rise

Maine is seeing an increase in influenza cases and hospitalizations.
Published
December 1, 2022

Maine CDC to receive $13.8 million federal grant

The money will be used to boost the state’s public health workforce.
Published
November 25, 2022

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.
Published
November 23, 2022

Unlike last two falls, COVID infections decline in Maine

The drop comes as hospitals are packed with RSV patients and facing a difficult influenza season.
Published
November 20, 2022

Paid family leave proposals gain momentum in Maine

Democrats are pushing for legislation, but a proposal also could go to the statewide ballot next year if progressive advocates gather enough signatures.