Chicago is Going Yellow!

Supported by BOMA Chicago

Starting on January 7, 2025, the Chicago skyline will light up in a brilliant shade of yellow, symbolizing hope, health, and a fresh start, thanks to BOMA Chicago’s generous support of Dry January® USA. As the city’s leading advocate for building excellence and community collaboration, BOMA Chicago is proud to partner with this transformative movement, encouraging Chicagoans to embrace a healthier lifestyle by abstaining from alcohol for the month of January.

Under the banner of “Chicago is Going Yellow,” iconic landmarks and participating buildings will illuminate the night sky, creating a stunning visual display of solidarity. From the glimmering spires of downtown skyscrapers to the familiar silhouettes of neighborhood buildings, the city will radiate positivity and encourage meaningful conversations around wellness and moderation. This dazzling initiative highlights BOMA Chicago’s commitment to uniting communities and fostering initiatives that inspire personal and collective growth.

Dry January® USA isn’t just about abstinence; it’s about creating an environment that encourages individuals to reflect, reset, and recharge for the year ahead. With BOMA Chicago’s gracious support, the month-long campaign will kick off with special events, wellness challenges, and opportunities for everyone to get involved in making this January one to remember.

Whether you’re a Chicagoan or a visitor, don’t miss the chance to witness Chicago Going Yellow in support of health and wellness. This glowing display is more than just lights; it’s a beacon of encouragement to step into the New Year with purpose and vitality. Gather your friends, enjoy alcohol-free events, and join the movement making Chicago brighter and healthier, one day at a time.

Get ready to see the city like never before and be part of this exciting initiative! Visit BOMA Chicago to learn more about events and participating buildings.

GET TICKETS HERE

Following is the Chicago Press Release:

December 30, 2024
For Immediate Release
Contact: Caryn Stancik
carynstancik@gmail.com
312-203-7796

Dry January® USA Chooses Chicago for Public Awareness Campaign and
Challenges 10,000 Chicagoans to Use the Free Try Dry® App

Chicago – Dry January® USA, the official sponsor of the movement to reduce alcohol
consumption has chosen Chicago for its first major event of 2024. Dry January® USA has
requested that downtown buildings light the sky YELLOW for the week January 7-13 to
encourage residents to take a break from alcohol for a week and raise awareness of the health
benefits of reduced alcohol consumption.

“While many people are successful in abstaining from alcohol for the whole month each year,
we are encouraging people who are new to the movement or need a little extra support to try it
for just a week and see how they feel,” said Dr. Michael Caldwell, Chief Medical Officer for Dry
January® USA, a program of Meharry Medical College and School of Global Health.
In 2022, Meharry Medical College, the largest private historically Black academic health center
in the US, became the officially licensed home for Dry January® USA. Meharry Medical College
is based in Nashville, Tennessee.

Dry January® and Meharry are working to shift attitudes about alcohol consumption and
enhance health equity in the US. Alcohol is one of the top three leading causes of preventable
death in the United States. “Alcohol is deeply woven into the fabric of American society. We
use it to celebrate, comfort ourselves, socialize, unwind and cope. Our goal is to educate
people about the harm it can do from mental health to liver diseases and cancer and from
economic difficulties to family dynamics and provide resources to assist in alcohol reduction
like our free Try Dry® app,” said Dr. Caldwell.

Co-created with drinkers and based on behavioral science and in the spirit of experimenting,
the Try Dry app contains unique features such as planned drinking, custom goals, calories and
money saved and special missions. “And unlike sobriety-only apps, it works brilliantly whether
you want to cut back or try being sober,” Dr. Caldwell added. Research shows that using the
Try Dry® app as your companion during January results in greater success in achieving your
goals. Dry January® USA hopes to see strong interest from Chicago over the next month.
Dry January® USA will also host a viewing party to celebrate with non-alcoholic drinks, food
and friends. More information can be found on the Dry January® USA website.

About Dry January® USA

Dry January® started in the UK and has now reached the US. This public health campaign
encourages Americans to begin the year without alcohol, helping them reset their relationship
with drinking and experiences the benefits of an alcohol-free lifestyle.
About Meharry Medical College

Meharry Medical College, a historic institution dedicated to training diverse healthcare
professionals, has long been a champion of public health and wellness. Founded in 1876,
Meharry has been at the forefront of addressing health disparities in underserved communities
and fostering healthier lifestyles through education, research, and community outreach. This
commitment aligns perfectly with Dry January® USA’s mission to promote alcohol-free living
and encourage individuals to reassess their drinking habits. By leading Dry January® USA for
the country, Meharry continues its legacy of empowering individuals and communities to make
informed decisions about their health.

About Dr. Michael Caldwell

Dr. Caldwell provides leadership for alcohol research, education and treatment, health
communications and vaccine research & education at Meharry Medical College. He is an
Internal Medicine physician trained at the Mount Sinai Medical Center (NY) with a Master of
Public Health from Harvard. He completed a Preventive Medicine residency program at State
University of New York, Albany where he served as a resident physician at the ABC News
Medical Unit throughout 2014.

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