John R. Blosnich

John R. Blosnich is an Associate Professor and Director of the Center for LGBTQ+ Health Equity at the Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, University of Southern California. His work focuses on disparities in suicide risk and prevention among high-risk populations, with specific emphasis on sexual orientation and gender identity-related disparities in violence and social determinants of health.

Education:

• PhD, West Virginia University, 2011
• MPH, West Virginia University, 2007
• BA, West Virginia University, 2001

Dr. Blosnich's research centers on LGBTQ+ health disparities, particularly suicide prevention and violence among sexual and gender minority populations. He investigates social determinants of health through survey design, data analysis, and health services research to develop evidence-based interventions. His work bridges academic research with policy implementation to address systemic inequities in healthcare access and outcomes.

His recent publications (2019-2022) demonstrate consistent focus on methodological innovation in data collection for sexual/gender minority populations, analysis of legislative impacts on health, and translational approaches moving from prevalence studies to prevention strategies. Key themes include mortality data improvement, veteran health disparities, and social determinants influencing suicide trajectories.

Dr. Blosnich has received several prestigious awards, including:

• Monica Helms & Angela B. Sheedy Transgender and Gender Diverse Research Paper of the Year Award (US Department of Veterans Affairs, 2024)
• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs I CARE Award for Outstanding LGBT Veteran Service (2018)
• Federal Executive Board Silver Award for Outstanding Contribution to Science (Medical) (2017)

Dr. Blosnich leads multiple federally funded research initiatives addressing critical gaps in LGBTQ+ health:

• Shifting suicide prevention paradigms: Looking beyond clinical setting, Principal Investigator (2021-2026), National Institutes of Health
• Improving mortality data through postmortem measurement of sexual orientation and gender identity, Principal Investigator (2020-2022), National Institutes of Health
• Adolescence to adulthood: Factors influencing trajectories of suicide ideation and attempt among sexual minorities, Principal Investigator (2020-2021), National Institutes of Health
• Can services to address veterans social determinants of health reduce their suicide risk?, Co-Investigator (2020-2023), U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
• Health outcomes and health care use among transgender veterans, Principal Investigator (2016-2020), U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

As Director of the Center for LGBTQ+ Health Equity, Dr. Blosnich oversees a multidisciplinary team conducting community-engaged research, developing health equity frameworks, and translating findings into clinical practice and public policy through partnerships with healthcare systems and advocacy organizations.