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Celebrating Activism: Asia Russell and Morgan Bassichis Honored at 2026 Research in Action Awards

On July 16, 2026, Treatment Action Group (TAG) revealed that Asia Russell and Morgan Bassichis will be recognized at the upcoming 2026 Research in Action Awards (RIAA). This annual event underscores TAG's commitment to addressing public health crises, particularly HIV, tuberculosis, and hepatitis C.

Honorees Overview

The ceremony will occur on Thursday, October 15, 2026, at the Angel Orensanz Center in New York City, and acknowledges remarkable contributions from individuals in the health and arts sectors.

Asia Russell

Asia Russell, Executive Director of Health GAP, is set to be honored for her tireless advocacy for equitable global access to HIV treatment and healthcare. With a career spanning several decades, Russell's impressive leadership continues to influence policy changes that prioritize health equity for marginalized populations.

Morgan Bassichis

Morgan Bassichis is recognized for their innovative use of art and performance as platforms for activism. Their acclaimed one-person show, Can I Be Frank?, reflects on queer history and community, establishing a narrative that intertwines art with advocacy. Bassichis's creative approach highlights the importance of storytelling in promoting social justice while providing visibility to pressing issues.

The Importance of RIAA

Since its inception nearly 30 years ago, the RIAA has raised over $5.5 million to support TAG's mission to end HIV, TB, and HCV. By bringing together a diverse coalition of activists, researchers, and community leaders, the event symbolizes collective action towards health equity.

This year’s awards come at a critical juncture in public health due to recent funding cuts and policy changes initiated by the previous administration, which threaten ongoing progress in tackling these diseases. The halting of substantial funding for programs like PEPFAR poses significant challenges to the healthcare landscape. TAG’s work has become more vital than ever in defending research, promoting healthcare equity, and holding policymakers accountable.

Purpose of the Awards

Funds generated from the RIAA propel TAG's pivotal work, facilitating research, policy advocacy, and community initiatives. The organization aims to secure equitable access to HIV, TB, and HCV prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and care for all individuals.

As TAG's Chief Operating Officer, Jason Kirk, expressed, the awards provide an opportunity to celebrate the resilience and dedication of individuals propelling this essential fight. Russell and Bassichis exemplify the spirit of activism that has driven TAG for over three decades. Their contributions reinforce the notion that significant progress emerges from the courage to challenge injustice and build a sense of community.

Get Involved

Tickets for the 2026 Research in Action Awards are currently available for purchase at treatmentactiongroup.org/riaa2026. This year’s event will feature TAG's exclusive Limited Art Edition, with further details on the artist and piece to be disclosed soon.

Event Details

• - Date: Thursday, October 15, 2026
• - Time: 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
• - Venue: The Angel Orensanz Center, 172 Norfolk St., New York, NY 10002
• - Tickets: Available at treatmentactiongroup.org/riaa2026

For media inquiries, TAG staff, and honorees are available for interviews upon request. High-resolution images and video assets can also be provided. For press inquiries, please reach out to Adam Ortega at [email protected].

About TAG

Treatment Action Group (TAG) is an independent, activist-driven research and policy think tank dedicated to ending HIV, TB, and HCV. Since the early '90s, TAG has engaged in extensive advocacy for health equity, ensuring that scientific breakthroughs translate into practical benefits for high-burdened communities. For more details, visit www.treatmentactiongroup.org.