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 6, 2015

Fiancee of Calais fireworks victim says he didn’t light mortar purposely

Devon Staples died Saturday after lighting a fireworks mortar on his head.
Published
July 6, 2015

Hepatitis C cases soar with Maine heroin epidemic

While no-cost screenings are available, the state lacks treatment options, especially for low-income addicts.
Published
July 5, 2015

Deaths of retired couple, son rattle Boothbay Harbor

Autopsies will continue today on the bodies of Carol and Svend Jorgensen and their son Eric, described as ‘delightful people’ and ‘pillars of the community.’
Published
July 1, 2015

After House sustains LePage veto, vaccine advocates say they’ll be back

The governor vetoed a bill that would have required parents to consult with medical professionals and get signatures before being allowed to forgo vaccines for their children.
Published
June 29, 2015

Maine Legislature clears way for long-term Lyme disease treatment

A bill to shield doctors from license sanctions for prescribing long-term antibiotics becomes law without the governor’s signature.
Published
June 24, 2015

Doctor at Maine Med plumbs the brain to combat effects of stroke

New studies, including one involving the Portland hospital, prove the effectiveness of a surgical device that removes blood clots from the brains of stroke victims.
Published
June 16, 2015

Maine House passes bill to tighten vaccine exemptions

The margin isn’t wide enough to overcome an expected veto by Gov. Paul LePage, who says parents should have a right to choose whether their children are vaccinated
Published
June 16, 2015

Car-window wish for kidney rewarded: Maine woman receives lifesaving transplant

Both patient and donor are reported to be doing well after surgery, capping an unusual story of strangers and sacrifice.
Published
June 16, 2015

MaineCare cuts imperil addicts seeking treatment

With eligibility requirements tightened for the state’s Medicaid program, more people are caught in the revolving door of short-term detoxification.
Published
June 10, 2015

Press Herald pressing Maine CDC to identify schools with chickenpox outbreaks

A public records request seeks disclosures to keep Mainers informed about the highly infectious disease, so they can take steps to protect themselves