Dry January® USAAnnounces YELLOW as the Official Color and January 7th as “Dry January® USA Day”

Date: December 30, 2024
Contact: Dr. Michael C. Caldwell, Chief Medical Officer, Dry January® USA
Email: mccaldwell@mmc.edu
Phone: (914) 474-4034

Dry January® USA, led by Meharry Medical College in Nashville, TN, proudly announces two monumental developments for its 2025 campaign: YELLOW has been named the official color of Dry January® in the U.S., and January 7th is now designated as the inaugural Dry January® USA Day. These announcements underscore the campaign’s commitment to fostering health, reflection and hope across the nation.

YELLOW, symbolizing optimism, renewal and resilience, will illuminate the nation’s landmarks and communities starting January 7th. From Nashville’s Parthenon to Chicago’s iconic skyline, YELLOW will serve as a unifying beacon of health and mindful choices.

“YELLOW represents a brighter future,” said Dr. Michael C. Caldwell, Chief Medical Officer of Dry January® USA and Associate Vice President at Meharry Medical College. “We invite everyone to ‘Go Yellow’ and take a moment, whether for one day or the entire month, to reflect on their relationship with alcohol and consider healthier alternatives.”

Dry January® USA Day is an opportunity for individuals, families and communities to pause and reflect on the role of alcohol in their lives. The day also serves as a platform for promoting the Try Dry® app, a free, science-backed resource designed to support participants in setting goals, tracking progress and celebrating milestones.

Why January 7th Matters

This date marks a nationwide call to action:
– Wear YELLOW: Show solidarity and optimism by donning the campaign’s official color.
– Reflect for a Day: Dry January® USA encourages everyone, even those not participating for the entire month, to embrace a single day of alcohol-free living.
– Download the Try Dry® App: This free tool enhances participant success, offering personalized tracking, goal-setting and motivational features.

The Bigger Picture

Alcohol consumption is a leading public health challenge, contributing to chronic illnesses, mental health struggles and preventable deaths. In Tennessee alone, alcohol-related deaths have surged by 98% over the past decade. Dry January® USA, under Meharry’s leadership, aims to address these challenges while supporting underserved and disproportionately impacted communities, including veterans, LGBTQ individuals and those in the music and hospitality industries.

“This movement is not about judgment—it’s about empowerment,” said Dr. Caldwell. “Dry January® USA provides a safe space for self-reflection and healthier choices, all while fostering a sense of community.”

How to Get Involved

– Participate in Go Yellow Events: Join landmark illuminations and community gatherings across Nashville, Chicago, Philadelphia and in your local community.
– Share Your Journey: Use the hashtag #GoYellow to connect with others and share your experience.
– Educate and Advocate: Encourage friends, family and colleagues to explore the health benefits of alcohol-free living.

For businesses, restaurants and local governments, Dry January® USA provides tailored resources to amplify the movement, including mocktail menus, wellness activities and proclamations to officially recognize January 7th as Dry January® USA Day.

About Dry January® USA and Meharry Medical College

Meharry Medical College, the largest historically Black academic health center in the U.S., became the home for Dry January® USA in 2022. Founded in 1876, Meharry is a leader in public health and health equity, aligning perfectly with Dry January® USA’s mission to encourage mindful drinking and promote healthier lifestyles. Together, they are illuminating the path to a brighter, alcohol-free future.

Going YELLOW in Three U.S. Cities

As part of the inaugural year of Dry January® USA, three major cities—Chicago,Philadelphia, and Nashville—will illuminate landmarks and organize community activities under the vibrant theme of YELLOW. From Nashville’s Parthenon to Philadelphia’s Boathouse Row and Chicago’s iconic skyline, these illuminations symbolize hope and unity in fostering healthier lifestyles.

The City of Nashville has further solidified its leadership by issuing a formal Proclamation recognizing January 7th as Dry January® USA Day. This proclamation celebrates the adoption of YELLOW as the movement’s official color and highlights the pivotal role of Meharry Medical College in advancing health equity and mindfulness around alcohol consumption.

Join the movement and help redefine what wellness means in 2025. Let’s light up January in YELLOW and make lasting change, one day at a time. Visit www.dryjanuaryusa.orgor contact Dr. Michael Caldwell to learn more.

Inquiries

Dr. Michael C. Caldwell
Email: mccaldwell@mmc.edu
Phone: (914) 474-4034
Dry January® USA Team
Email: healthchief@gmail.com