Meharry Medical College President James Hildreth and Alcohol Change UK CEO Richard Piper are on Tennessee Voices vodcast to talk about Dry January.
In January, a vibrant wave of positivity will sweep across the nation as Dry January® USA introduces yellow as its official color.
Led by Meharry Medical College, this new direction marks a transformative moment in how we approach alcohol consumption and wellness.
Why Yellow? Yellow symbolizes optimism, creativity and renewal. Its bright, energizing nature embodies the spirit of Dry January® USA - a month-long journey of reflection and healthier choices.
Just as the sun brightens the world, yellow seeks to inspire individuals to rethink their relationship with alcohol. Whether through the "Go Yellow" call to action or hosting alcohol-free events, yellow unites participants in a shared commitment to health and mindfulness.
Starting January 7, the inaugural Dry January® USA Day, iconic landmarks in Nashville, Chicago and Philadelphia will glow in yellow, symbolizing hope, resilience and community. The illumination of landmarks like Nashville's City Hall Courthouse, Nissan Stadium and the Parthenon is a powerful visual symbol of this commitment.
Alcohol contributes to illness and deaths have increased over the decade
Dry January® USA is not an anti-alcohol campaign. Rather, it fosters a supportive, non-judgmental space for individuals to pause or reduce their alcohol intake.
The free Try Dry® app, helps participants to track their progress, set goals and experience mindfulness benefits. Research indicates that app users are significantly more likely to succeed in their Dry January® journey.
In Tennessee, alcohol-related deaths have risen 98% over the past decade, with over 70,000 emergency room visits annually linked to alcohol misuse. Excessive drinking also heightens the risk of cancers, mental health challenges and domestic violence, issues disproportionately affecting vulnerable communities.
Dry January® USA offers a fresh start and a platform for deeper conversations about these challenges.
Meharry is a proven, Nashville-based leader in health equity
As the largest historically Black academic health center in the U.S., Meharry Medical College leads with a mission to advance health equity. Dry January® USA aligns with this vision, addressing the disproportionate impact of alcohol harm on underserved communities, including veterans, LGBTQ individuals and those in the music and hospitality industries.
By championing Dry January® USA, Meharry amplifies our many voices. Through initiatives like the "Go Yellow" campaign, Meharry is transforming how we approach alcohol education and mindfulness.
Dry January® USA Day on Jan. 7 invites everyone to reflect on their relationship with alcohol, even if just for 24 hours. It's an invitation to wear yellow, light up spaces and to share stories using #GoYellow on social media.
Here's how every-day citizens can get involved in Dry January
Join us now to light up January and inspire lasting change for a brighter, healthier year ahead.
Download the Try Dry® app, wear yellow and spread the message. Visit https://dryjanuaryusa.org/give-online/ to learn more and how you can participate, support our efforts and make a difference. Resources for restaurants and bars are available here, https://dryjanuaryusa.org/guide-for-restaurants-and-bars/ .
As we embrace yellow this January, join us in honoring the spirit of togetherness, the strength of determination and the gift of health. Let us light up the world in positivity and take the first step toward lasting change. Dry January® USA invites you to reflect, reconnect and Go Yellow.
Michael C Caldwell, M.D., MPH, is chief medical officer of Dry January® USA and associate VP of research & innovation at Meharry Medical College. Jonathan Low, MBA, is a third-year medical student, at Meharry.