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
May 13, 2020

Maine CDC reports 38 new COVID-19 cases, ramps up testing

The director of the Maine CDC says more widespread testing is being done in congregate care settings, and national commercial labs have increased their test capacity.
Published
May 12, 2020

Maine CDC reports 15 new COVID-19 cases, as hospitals get anti-viral drug

No new deaths were reported Tuesday and the state received a shipment of remdesivir, a new drug that has shown promise treating COVID-19 in hospitalized patients.
Published
May 11, 2020

Dentists criticize Mills administration for not letting routine care resume

Maine is one of the few states that haven’t allowed dentists to reopen for routine visits, and some patients are suffering infections and other problems because they have not been treated.
Published
May 10, 2020

Maine’s new testing, tracing capabilities may allow for quicker, safer reopening

But threats remain, especially with tourist season coming up and the potential for throngs of people to gather in some places.
Published
May 7, 2020

Maine applications for public assistance doubled in April

The pandemic left many Mainers on unemployment and drove a sharp increase in applications for assistance, although the numbers dropped in late April as layoffs declined and families received higher federal jobless benefits.
Published
May 6, 2020

Mills considering changes in reopening plan, as Maine CDC reports 1 more COVID-19 death

Gov. Janet Mills said she soon may announce adjustments to her coronavirus reopening plan to take into account regional variations in the impact of the pandemic.
Published
May 1, 2020

Mills defends reopening but acknowledges deep divisions, as virus kills 2 more Mainers

Gov. Janet Mills drew attention to the reopening of some businesses under the first stage of her plan Friday and urged critics to be aware of the health risks of moving too quickly.
Published
April 30, 2020

Mainers have limited access to dental services under reopening

The Maine Dental Association says only emergency care can be given during the first phase of Gov. Janet Mills’ reopening plan for coronavirus, so preventive and other routine care may be delayed further.
Published
April 30, 2020

Health care services to resume, but some patients will need patience

The return of elective surgeries, colonoscopies, mammograms and other services will be gradual, and the pent-up demand will be enormous.
Published
April 27, 2020

Medical practices try to keep up with crucial childhood vaccinations during pandemic

Pediatricians say the most important vaccinations are those given from birth to 2 years of age.