The senator and others call for steps to reduce Maine’s relatively high volume of prescriptions for painkilling medication, which can lead to heroin abuse.
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.
Slippery path from prescription opiates to heroin all too prevalent in Maine
Authorities say the solution to this scourge continues to elude lawmakers and health care workers.
Woman injured in Gray moose collision wakes from coma
Taylor Norcross’s is smiling and making gestures after two weeks in a coma, her fiance says.
South Portland nonprofit sends 40,000 pounds of medical supplies to Syria
Partners for World Health is donating the goods to ‘underground’ hospitals in the war-ravaged Middle East country.
Greater Portland recovery advocate dies of drug overdose
Family and friends mourn David Zysk, a counselor, mentor and compassionate supporter of all who struggled with addiction.
Auburn woman remains in induced coma after moose crash
The fiance of Taylor Norcross, who suffered head injuries in a collision with a moose on the Maine Turnpike, says she is showing signs of improvement, but doctors are still trying to reduce swelling in her brain.
Amy Schumer leaves them laughing during raunchy shows in Portland
The comedian’s first show lasted 40-45 minutes, the second an hour.
Maine Med launching substance abuse treatment program to help battle heroin crisis
The new program, which represents an investment of $800,000, will provide three specialists who will help to integrate addiction treatment into primary care practices.
Driver saw moose ‘split second’ before crash that critically injured fiancee
With Taylor Norcross gravely injured, waiting for help to arrive ‘was the longest 10 minutes of my life,’ Frank Gatto recalls.
Maine finally grants former teacher disability benefits, vows to reform system
Bob Sprankle feels he suffered for a cause, because his long battle could spare others a similar ordeal.