The use of contract nurses and assistants in Maine has soared since 2017 as administrators scramble for solutions.
Rose Lundy
Rose Lundy, public health reporter for the Maine Monitor, covers the coronavirus in Maine. She also is a 2020 Report for America corps member. Lundy previously covered politics and local government for three years at The Daily News in southwest Washington. She grew up in Minnesota and graduated from the University of Wisconsin.
LATEST ARTICLES
Maine to publish staff vaccination rates from hospitals and other healthcare facilities
An industry survey reveals that 76% of Maine hospital employees are vaccinated, and the state will soon announce the totals of each healthcare facility.
‘Incremental’ progress: Maine’s effort to address lead poisoning was gaining momentum before COVID-19
Testing and inspections have rebounded since the start of the pandemic, but the brain-damaging disease continues to affect hundreds of Maine children a year.
Despite federal bailout, Maine’s largest hospitals ended 2020 in the red
While CARES Act funding helped the state’s three biggest healthcare systems, it wasn’t enough to offset pandemic costs.
Domestic abuse linked to 43 percent of Maine homicides in 2018-19
A panel calls for expanded community response and better cooperation between government, advocacy groups and schools to reduce the deaths.
Homeschooling in Maine soared during pandemic
The number of registered homeschool students increased 71 percent this school year, but the long-term effects are not clear.
Hunger remained high throughout the winter, but federal aid staved off organizers’ worst fears
While Maine food banks distributed more meals since March 2020 than they did the year before the pandemic, demand for heat assistance slightly decreased.
Lawmakers look to rebalance power amid an extended state of emergency
Mainers have lived in a state of emergency for the past year — the longest period in at least 24 years. Republicans are now looking to change how governors can apply their emergency powers.
Local COVID-19 task forces offer new approach to public health
The rise of community-focused groups likely helped Maine maintain low infection rates. Their success could continue even after the pandemic.
Calls to domestic violence hotlines were more frequent — and dire — during pandemic
COVID-19 increased the stress and isolation that worsens abuse, making Maine survivors feel less safe at home. Violence against women is a “shadow pandemic.”
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