2025
Local families struggle with food insecurity
Hunger is a significant problem in Washington County, and it is on the rise.
Health & Wellness
2025
Fatal overdose numbers drop 40% in county
Fatal overdoses in Washington County have dropped by approximately 40% over the past two years, signifying a turning point in the battle against synthetic opioids even as new concoctions are entering the drug supply.
2022
Staff shortages add challenges for cancer care patients in area
Washington County has the third highest rate of cancer diagnosis per year in the state, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, with an average of 258 new cancer cases diagnosed annually. The closest and most widely used cancer care treatments are found in Brewer and...
2022
New laws to protect patients from surprise medical billing
A Maine law enacted in March 2020, An Act To Protect Consumers from Surprise Emergency Medical Bills, and a new 2021 federal law, the No Surprises Act (NSA), are meant to help patients with surprise billing.
2021
Cancer conference addresses living well during a pandemic
Maintaining health and wellness during a pandemic is a struggle for virtually everyone, but those with chronic health conditions are particularly challenged.
2017
Fewer births lead to decision to close CRH obstetrics unit
Calais Regional Hospital (CRH) will be closing its obstetrics department (OB) by the end of this year, which will leave only one hospital in Washington County equipped to deliver babies.
2013
Opiate misuse leads to tools for prevention
Imagine a man or woman who has worked in the logging or fisheries industry for years. They have injured themselves or developed chronic work-related pain from repeated hard physical work.