Cheryl Elj  

As the Public Health Program Coordinator for the Aging and Adult Health Unit at St. Louis County Public Health and Human Services, I lead the MSHO/MSC+ care coordination program and collaborate with my team and community partners to identify and address gaps in services for older adults. With over 15 years of experience as a social worker serving the 65+ population, I’ve seen firsthand the challenges our aging community faces-and the opportunities we have to do better. 

My passion lies in creating systems that ensure older adults receive the care, support, and information they need to thrive. One pivotal moment in my career came after assisting with a flood response, where I recognized how critical it is to improve emergency communication with older adults. That experience inspired a project, supported by a grant from Age Friendly Minnesota, to integrate an aging perspective into our Public Health Emergency Response plans. By doing so, we’re helping ensure that older adults are not only included but prioritized in emergency preparedness and response efforts.