Jason D. Flatt

Associate Professor, Department of Social and Behavioral Health
Expertise: LGBTQ health, Gerontology, Alzheimer's disease and related dementias, Health disparities, Social and behavioral health, Neurodegenerative diseases

Biography

Jason D. Flatt is an associate professor in the Department of Social and Behavioral Health at UNLV's School of Public Health. His most recent research works to better understand the concerns and needs of LGBTQIA+ seniors living with Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease, as well as the needs of their chosen families. He also teaches courses on community based participatory research and social and behavioral health theory.

For the last decade, Flatt has leveraged his platform as a public health researcher to work as an advocate for the LGBTQIA+ community. To further the reach of his advocacy efforts in Las Vegas, he partners with the LGBT Center of Southern Nevada, Las Vegas Trans Pride, Nevada Alliance for Student Diversity, and the Nevada Minority Health Equity Coalition. He is also working with several Southern Nevada community leaders to create Building H.O.U.S.E. Las Vegas, a group dedicated to organizing and creating affordable and welcoming housing for LGBTQIA+ people aged 50 and older.

Flatt’s work has been featured on NPR, U.S. News & World Report, The Advocate, and Newsweek, as well as in Alzheimer's Association outreach.

Education

  • Ph.D., Behavioral and Community Health Sciences, University of Pittsburgh
  • M.P.H., Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, University of South Carolina
  • B.S., Health Science, University of Florida

Jason D. Flatt In The News

Endocrinology Advisor
As the US population ages, geriatric providers face a critical challenge: ensuring that the health needs of LGBTQIA+ older adults — an often overlooked but growing demographic — are not just fulfilled, but prioritized. The National Resource Center on LGBTQIA+ Aging projects that 7 million adults aged 65 and older will identify as LGBTQIA+ by 2030.
MedicalBrief
American scientists have suggested that people identifying as a sexual or gender minority (LGBTQ+) have a higher likelihood of adverse brain health outcomes, according to cross-sectional data.
MedPage Today
People who identified as a sexual or gender minority (LGBTQ+) had a higher likelihood of adverse brain health outcomes, cross-sectional data showed.
Las Vegas Sun
By 2030, the U.S. population of LGBTQ+ adults over age 50 is expected to reach 7 million. As this community grows, the need to address housing disparities in our state becomes more evident. Elders who live in urban areas, such as Las Vegas, face significant housing challenges due to lack of affordable options, fear of discrimination, social isolation, and socioeconomic and health disparities.

Articles Featuring Jason D. Flatt

Josh Hawkins, UNLV
Campus News | July 3, 2024

News highlights featuring UNLV students and staff who made (refreshing) waves in the headlines.

individual holding pride progress flag on pride-colored sidewalk
People | August 28, 2023

The research expert recently received a $3.5M grant to conduct a study on LGBTQIA+ caregivers of dementia patients and their experiences.

Graduation surprise
Campus News | August 1, 2023

News stories from the summer featuring UNLV students and faculty.

Man on balcony with Las Vegas in the background.
People | March 2, 2020

One of the best things about public health is its interdisciplinary nature, according to practitioner Jason Flatt, who says it allows him to tap into fields as diverse as sociology, medicine, nursing, and psychology.