The mild winter and early start to spring mean large numbers are likely, say researchers pursuing ways to attack Lyme disease.
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.
Flu cases surge in Maine, but total numbers are down from last year
The virus is hitting its peak about two months later than last season, and epidemiologists say surges are always unpredictable.
Merrymeeting Behavioral Health blames ‘media frenzy’ for early closure
The agency says its bank froze its account after reports on the potential impact of changes in a MaineCare program being considered by the Department of Health and Human Services.
Possible DHHS reimbursement cuts concern Maine’s mental health agencies
Advocates for the mentally ill say the proposals would debilitate community-based services in the state.
Data suggest use of heroin rose in Maine as access to pills waned
The correlation emerges in a Telegram review of drug addiction treatment; meanwhile, state efforts to further restrict prescription opioids proceed carefully.
LePage administration, doctors compromise on opioid prescribing bill
They agree on a dosage limit, a time limit and training for doctors.
Agencies fear new DHHS rules for support services will harm mentally ill clients
As the state narrows which patients can get services, advocates say many could land in Maine jails and shelters.
Maine doctors back 2 bills to restrict opioid prescriptions, but seek flexibility
The measures would set limits on the length of prescriptions for opioid pain relievers, which are addictive and have played a large role in the state’s heroin epidemic.
Midcoast, Down East lead Maine in rates of fatal drug overdoses
There doesn’t seem to be a clear-cut reason as yet, but experts have theories.
At St. Patrick’s Parade in Portland, going green is child’s play
School-age dancers capture the hearts of many in the crowd, pounding their feet in unison to pulsating Irish music.