CAROL AND TRAVIS JENKINS AWARD
This award has been presented each year since 2005 to a person who either used to, or currently uses drugs, and who has made an outstanding contribution to reducing drug-related harm.
The winner receives a scholarship to attend HR27, is presented with a trophy and has their name listed on the HRI website.
Nomination criteria
Nominations are for individuals, groups or organisations working at the community level, national and/or international levels.
The following criteria are considered and assessed in reviewing the nominees:
- Contribution to the promotion and implementation of harm reduction practices
- Contribution of the work to protection of health, dignity and human rights of people who use drugs
- Courage or leadership in the face of adversity
- Length of time working in the field
- Potential for award to strengthen work
- Potential for award to enhance visibility and public awareness of issue
Background
The award was initially named after Travis Jenkins, an extraordinary jazz musician and composer who died of cancer in 2004. In 2009, the award was renamed to include the name of Travis’s wife, Carol, who worked for many years with the Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research as a medical anthropologist, and was one of the leading instigators to setting up the National Aids Council. Carol Jenkins was renowned for her research into sexual behaviour and was a leading expert on HIV/AIDS. Equally important was her connection with the Hagahai people of Papua New Guinea, who were her second family.
Previous Winners
- 2025 Judy Chang (Australia)
- 2023 Diane Lloyd (Australia)
- 2019 Andrii Yarovyi (Ukraine)
- 2017 Lee Hertel (USA)
- 2015 Abdur Raheem Rajaey (Afghanistan)
- 2013 Loon Gangte (India)
- 2011 Tam Miller (Scotland)
- 2010 Joergen Kjaer (Denmark)
- 2009 Holly Bradford (USA)
- 2008 Theo van Dam (Netherlands)
- 2007 Alexandra (Sasha) Volgina (Russia)
- 2006 Jason Farrell (USA)
- 2005 Paisan Suwannawong (Thailand)