A journalist can’t help but think of her father’s death as she writes and reports on dying during the coronavirus pandemic.

A journalist can’t help but think of her father’s death as she writes and reports on dying during the coronavirus pandemic.
The coronavirus pandemic’s last responders – Maine’s priests, chaplains, funeral directors and hospice workers − say the highly infectious virus has upended how they do their jobs. Barred from entering most hospitals and long-term living facilities, chaplains and priests must offer comfort, consolation and prayers electronically. Families are robbed of a final goodbye, and those who are dying of COVID − or any other illness in a confined setting – must die with strangers while longing for the touch of a loved one.
For the past month, Dr. Jennifer McConnell has volunteered at the coronavirus screening tent at MaineGeneral Health in Augusta. As the first line of defense against COVID-10, McConnell has screened over 200 people while providing much-needed information and comfort.
As the virus sweeps across the globe, the U.S. and my home state of Maine, my anxiety spikes with each devastating report. Nearly 800 Italians die in 24 hours. Overwhelmed hospitals and medical workers without protective gear. Faulty tests, not enough tests; more than 4,000 Americans dead with a predicted 236,000 more to die.
Maine will need an estimated $2 billion by 2030 to treat and care for opioid-affected children.
Figuring out how to stop babies from being born affected by opioids is one of many objectives for the man hired to put an end to Maine’s drug crisis.
In response to a fall Pine Tree Watch series, Maine Congressional delegation members say they’ll keep fighting to expand funds to pay for prevention, treatment and related services.
Drug-free for three years after battling addictions since age 12, mom and advocate Courtney Allen looks to a healthy future with her sons.
An experienced foster mom refuses to give up on her opiate-exposed infant.
After losing custody of her first five daughters because of an opiate addiction, a Maine mother battles her illness and the odds to keep her new baby.
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