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
July 10, 2016

Bowdoin grad, social activist back in spotlight after arrest

DeRay Mckesson, a former educator, is one of the most recognizable faces to emerge from the Black Lives Matter movement.
Published
July 10, 2016

Iraqi immigrants in Portland honor those killed in Baghdad suicide attack

About 100 attend a vigil on the steps of the First Parish Church.
Published
July 8, 2016

Anti-LGBT group organizing referendum effort

The campaign by Equal Rights Not Special Rights would remove sexual orientation as a protected status in the Maine Human Rights Act.
Published
July 7, 2016

Plan for ‘social detox’ center in Bangor generates debate

The 10-bed facility wouldn’t offer medication to help with withdrawal because not enough doctors in the area prescribe it. Some critics question the center’s value for addressing Maine’s addiction crisis
Published
July 5, 2016

Bath native working to contain Zika virus in Puerto Rico

Christine Prue returns from working 75 days in the U.S. territory, where more than1,900 people have been stricken.
Published
July 3, 2016

Bath-Brunswick addiction program seen as possible model

The Addiction Resource Center may be responsible for the low overdose death rate in the midcoast area, thanks to its emphasis on efficiency and timely delivery of services.
Published
July 1, 2016

Maine CDC to operate without a director for at least 18 months

Officials say the agency will be  led by the state health officer and the CDC’s chief operating officer.
Published
June 30, 2016

Young Mainers show most dislike for Affordable Care Act in new poll

The poll also reveals that residents are evenly divided in their opinions of the health care law, but more are in favor than the national average.
Published
June 25, 2016

Maine immigration advocates criticize Supreme Court decision

President Obama’s plan is blocked, which will make it more difficult for legal immigrants to get work permits.
Published
June 24, 2016

Browntail moth invasion: They came, they ate, they made many itch

Caterpillars blanketing parts of the midcoast this year have left hundreds scrambling to treat the skin rash caused by their hair fibers.