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
August 1, 2014

Grant to fund UMaine study of soap chemicals

The project involves the use of a high-resolution microscope to see how human and animal cells interact with the chemical triclosan.
Published
July 24, 2014

Rebates on insurance divvied out to 20,000 Mainers

Aetna will lower premiums or send out checks because its administrative costs exceeded the Obamacare cap in 2013.
Published
July 22, 2014

Two rulings split on legality of subsidies under Obamacare

One appeals court panel says the premium reducers are barred in federal marketplaces like Maine’s, but experts say there’s no need to worry about losing them.
Published
July 19, 2014

Maine foster parents worry system overhaul will hurt

DHHS says that there are no plans to cut reimbursement rates.
Published
July 16, 2014

USM suspends controversial renovation of Gorham building

Preservationists say the changes are destroying the historic integrity of the two-century-old structure.
Published
July 11, 2014

Anti-abortion protests resume in Portland, without buffer zone

Portland’s City Council on Monday repealed a protest-free buffer zone around a Planned Parenthood clinic in response to a recent free-speech ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court.
Published
June 12, 2014

Restraint, seclusion rates of Maine psych patients run high

The state’s rates top the national average, but many have made different control methods a priority.
Published
June 11, 2014

Pilot program in Maine could be model to ease VA backlogs nationally

It lets some Aroostook County veterans get care at close-to-home private hospitals, reducing demand at federal facilities.
Published
June 2, 2014

Maine co-op to offer Affordable Care insurance in New Hampshire

Maine Community Health will hire more workers and give residents in the neighboring state another insurance option next year.
Published
May 31, 2014

In rural Maine, dearth of doctors is a growing crisis

At a time when fewer young people are choosing to become primary care physicians, the state is poised to see a dramatic increase in need.