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.

Latest

Published
August 3, 2016

Uninsured patient rule puts Bangor detox center in jeopardy

The state rule would require the facility to take 40 percent of its patients without insurance – and prove costly to any contractor.
Published
August 1, 2016

Brunswick woman taking gamble that stem cells will restore vision

Charlene Ouellet is paying $21,000 for an experimental and controversial procedure by a doctor in Florida.
Published
July 28, 2016

Mercy Hospital offering buyouts to 99 employees

The buyouts come as the hospital system trims expenses while consolidating operations at its Fore River complex in Portland.
Published
July 27, 2016

As lower-dosage law nears, Maine doctors prepare to wean patients off opioids

About 16,000 Mainers are affected by the stricter mandate, and some medical professionals worry they will turn to heroin.
Published
July 26, 2016

Health groups oppose Maine CDC push for more control of disease data

Letting the agency withhold locations of outbreaks endangers the public and contradicts its mission, critics say in public comments on a proposed rule change.
Published
July 25, 2016

Maine groups work on opioid fix: More access to Suboxone

They’re trying to persuade additional doctors to prescribe the pill that reduces cravings and often turns lives around, but there are numerous obstacles.
Published
July 22, 2016

Federal grant will help enhance autism services in Maine

The $2.2 million will be used to train 45 pediatricians, teachers, educators and other health professionals about autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders.
Published
July 21, 2016

Maine CDC wants to limit what you can know about disease outbreaks

A year after the Portland Press Herald sued to get the names of schools with multiple chicken pox cases, the agency looks for more authority to deny records requests.
Published
July 18, 2016

Portland social worker accused of sex with patient to suspend his practice

A consent agreement provides that Kelly O’Rourke will not see patients until a court settles a criminal complaint of gross sexual assault.
Published
July 12, 2016

Portland social worker practiced for months after complaint of sexual relations with client

Kelly F. O’Rourke was arrested July 1, six months after the complaint was filed, and he still had his license Monday.