Democrats have been trying to expand coverage since 2019, but the effort was derailed when the Legislature adjourned abruptly in 2020 in the face of the coronavirus pandemic.
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.
Posted inMaine, News
Maine’s death rate rose by 4.5% last year, driven largely by COVID-19
The viral disease was the eighth-leading cause of death in Maine in 2020, but was the third-leading cause nationally.
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Posted inMaine, News
MaineHealth to open walk-in clinics, streamline scheduling as J&J vaccine OK’d for use
With vaccine supplies more plentiful, the state’s largest health care network has reduced its waitlist and is providing easier online scheduling for a COVID-19 vaccination.
Posted inMaine, News
Maine tightens school advisories in 4 counties in response to higher COVID-19 case counts
Maine will see a boost in vaccine supply next week, but high case numbers prompted the Department of Education to designate 4 counties as ‘yellow.’
Posted inMaine, News
Vaccine shipments to Maine will jump next week, as COVID-19 cases remain high
The state will receive a sharp increase in shipments of the Moderna vaccine, enabling independent pharmacies and local public safety departments to offer clinics.
Posted inMaine, News
Maine now leads the nation in COVID-19 vaccination rate
About 31% of Mainers are fully vaccinated, the highest percentage in the U.S., but high infection rates and rising hospitalizations show the battle against the virus isn’t over.
Posted inHealth, Maine, News
Maine’s infection rate rises to nation’s 14th highest, driven by young people
The state reported 579 new cases on Thursday, topping 500 for the third straight day.
Posted inMaine, News
Use of Johnson & Johnson vaccine paused as cases spike in Maine
The state has redirected Moderna vaccine to a mobile unit that was launched Monday at the Oxford Casino, and may do so again if the Johnson & Johnson pause continues.
Posted inNews, Oxford Hills
Mobile vaccination unit makes its debut at Oxford Casino
Gov. Janet Mills and FEMA’s regional administrator came Monday for the unveiling of a unit that will administer as many as 250 shots a day at 10 locations across the state.
Posted inMaine
Massachusetts woman dies in motorcycle crash in Lyman
Anne Stout, 50, of Maynard, Mass., was a passenger on the back of a motorcycle being driven by a Sanford man, state police say.