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Cuyahoga County Renames Medical Examiner Office Annex Building in Honor of Dr. Elizabeth Balraj
Contacts:
Christopher Harris, (216) 443-7157
CUYAHOGA COUNTY – Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner Dr. Thomas Gilson today announced the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner’s Office Annex Building has been renamed to the Elizabeth K. Balraj Archive and Forensic Education Training Center, in honor of former county coroner, Dr. Elizabeth K. Balraj.
“Dr. Elizabeth Balraj’s historic reputation precedes her, and I’m pleased to see her honored for her commitment and devotion over the years to the Coroner’s Office and to criminal justice throughout the County,” said County Executive Armond Budish, “Cuyahoga County will forever remain grateful for her contributions to this community.”
Dr. Balraj dedicated over 30 years of service to Cuyahoga County; 20 years as Coroner and 15 years as Deputy Coroner:
The Elizabeth K. Balraj Archive and Forensic Education Training Center occupies several interactive mock scenes designed to enhance knowledge of death scene investigation. Additionally, the archive is used for the storage of records, property, and evidence in various cases.
“In addition to investigating deaths, the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner’s Office has remained deeply committed to the teaching and education of individuals in the field of forensic science, by training them to become forensic pathologists, toxicologists, trace evidence and DNA experts.” said Dr. Balraj. “I extend my gratitude to County Executive Budish and Dr. Gilson for recognizing me during this dedication event. I consider this a great honor. My best wishes for continued success in your endeavor to serve the citizens of Cuyahoga County.”
Christopher Harris, (216) 443-7157
CUYAHOGA COUNTY – Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner Dr. Thomas Gilson today announced the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner’s Office Annex Building has been renamed to the Elizabeth K. Balraj Archive and Forensic Education Training Center, in honor of former county coroner, Dr. Elizabeth K. Balraj.
“Dr. Elizabeth Balraj’s historic reputation precedes her, and I’m pleased to see her honored for her commitment and devotion over the years to the Coroner’s Office and to criminal justice throughout the County,” said County Executive Armond Budish, “Cuyahoga County will forever remain grateful for her contributions to this community.”
Dr. Balraj dedicated over 30 years of service to Cuyahoga County; 20 years as Coroner and 15 years as Deputy Coroner:
- Served as Cuyahoga County Coroner (1987 – 2007) and Cuyahoga County Deputy Coroner (1972 – 1987), performing thousands of forensic autopsies and investigating over 10,000 deaths due to suspected violence.
- Established the accredited DNA Parentage and Identification Department, which offers state-of-the-art DNA testing services such as paternity, immigration, and relationship testing.
- Established a dedicated tissue recovery suite in the office, which is operated through a partnership with LifeBanc.
- First Asian Indian woman to hold an elected office in the state of Ohio.
- Honored by The House of Representatives for her outstanding service to the county (2005).
The Elizabeth K. Balraj Archive and Forensic Education Training Center occupies several interactive mock scenes designed to enhance knowledge of death scene investigation. Additionally, the archive is used for the storage of records, property, and evidence in various cases.
“In addition to investigating deaths, the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner’s Office has remained deeply committed to the teaching and education of individuals in the field of forensic science, by training them to become forensic pathologists, toxicologists, trace evidence and DNA experts.” said Dr. Balraj. “I extend my gratitude to County Executive Budish and Dr. Gilson for recognizing me during this dedication event. I consider this a great honor. My best wishes for continued success in your endeavor to serve the citizens of Cuyahoga County.”
