As a public health professional, it has always been a dream of mine to take initiatives I am passionate about and present it to officials in order to bring about change. Being a student ambassador for Dry January USA, it has been an honor to advocate for people who want to address their relationship with alcohol and to represent Meharry Medical College. I never thought that I would have the opportunity to combine my love for public service as well as my advocacy for Dry January.
On December 3rd, 2024, that opportunity arrived. I suddenly received a message from Dr. Caldwell, Chief Medical Officer of Dry January USA. Without hesitation, I responded affirmatively and began preparing to attend the Metro Nashville Council’s Public Health and Safety Committee Meeting.
Although uncertain whether we would speak, Dr. Caldwell and I went with a clear purpose: to advocate for the mission of Dry January USA. As we listened to the agenda, we were delighted when Council Member and Chair Erin Evans acknowledged our presence. In that moment, we quickly prepared remarks to address the committee and the public in attendance.
When called to the podium, I introduced Dry January, highlighting its origins in the UK and the leadership role of Meharry Medical College in hosting Dry January USA. I shared the significance of our new symbolic color, yellow, referencing Coldplay’s iconic lyrics: “Look at the stars, look how they shine for you. Everything you do. Yeah, they were all yellow.” This sentiment underscores the daily opportunity for individuals to reflect on their relationship with alcohol, inspired by the yellow star that begins each day—the sun.
Many have a tenacious relationship with alcohol. According to the National Institution on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, in 2023, 84.9% of individuals, 18 years and older, reported that they had consumed alcohol at some point in their life. Additionally in 2023, there were 4,126,082 alcohol-related emergency department visits. 28,859,000 individuals had an alcohol use disorder (AUD), and 178,307 alcohol-related deaths were reported. Presenting our movement as well as introducing pertinent alcohol statistics to notable community and council members have given us the opportunity to teach people the consequences of alcohol intake, and that its effects can be preventable through effective and judgment free solutions.
December 3rd was a significant day for me as it kickstarted the countdown to Dry January. We are looking forward to Chicago, Aurora, Philadelphia, and Nashville lighting up yellow on January 7th for Dry January USA Day. With today’s announcement by the Surgeon General calling for cancer warnings on alcoholic beverages, we hope this day will encourage meaningful conversations about alcohol’s health impacts.
Dry January USA Day on January 7th promises to be a day of community, education, and optimism. We invite you to join us in celebrating by visiting dryjanuaryusa.org, downloading the Try Dry app, and exploring non-alcoholic beverage options shared on our Instagram. Let’s embrace a healthier lifestyle together. Happy Dry January!
This article was written by Sam Ravi on January 3rd, 2025 and endorsed by Dry January® USA, located at Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN.
