The Official
Dry January® USA
Initiative
A Unique Alcohol-Free Experience
Founded by health advocates, Dry January USA was created to empower individuals to take control of their health and well-being. Our team is passionate about making a difference.
Dry January® USA was established when Meharry Medical College, a leading HBCU, recognized the need for greater awareness of alcohol’s impact on health. By acquiring the Dry January® license from Alcohol Change UK, we brought this powerful movement to the United States. Our journey began with a mission not only to encourage a month of abstinence but to spark lasting conversations about alcohol use and to promote inclusivity in alcohol research
Media Spotlight: Dry January® USA with Dr. Michael Caldwell
Who:
Dr. Michael Caldwell, Chief Medical Officer of Dry January® USA and Professor of Public Health at Meharry Medical College, is a national leader in health equity and mindful drinking advocacy. He is available for media appearances, panels, and interviews, and can be joined by Dry January® USA Ambassadors—medical and public health students trained at Meharry Medical College.
What:
Dry January® USA is the official U.S. campaign of the global alcohol-free movement launched by the UK charity Alcohol Change UK. Since 2022, Meharry Medical College, a historically Black academic health sciences center, has served as the campaign’s U.S. home. Dry January® encourages individuals to pause and reflect on their relationship with alcohol, offering a positive, nonjudgmental space for growth. The 2025 campaign has introduced YELLOW as the official color, symbolizing optimism, vitality, and a fresh start. This year’s highlights include widespread national participation, app-based support via the Try Dry® app, and major city landmarks illuminated in yellow—including Nashville, Philadelphia, and Chicago.
Why:
Alcohol-related deaths have increased by 98% in Tennessee over the last decade. Dry January® USA addresses this urgent public health crisis while advancing Meharry Medical College’s mission to eliminate health disparities. The campaign promotes mental wellness, reduces the burden of alcohol-related chronic illnesses, and fosters healthier communities. Dr. Caldwell and the Meharry student team offer unique insight into how this movement reshapes national conversations around alcohol use, public health, and personal choice.
When:
Media outlets are encouraged to schedule segments and features leading up to and throughout the month of January:
- Pre-holiday season: December (gift guides, wellness stories)
- Pre–New Year’s Eve: December 29–31 (resolution features)
- Post–New Year’s: January 1–6 (reset and wellness themes)
- January 7, 2025: Inaugural Dry January® USA Day and nationwide YELLOW Illumination
- January 7–13, 2025: National activation week with major events in Nashville, Philadelphia, and Chicago
Where:
Dry January® USA is headquartered at Meharry Medical College in Nashville, TN—an HBCU approaching its 150th anniversary and home to the new Meharry School of Global Health. While the campaign is rooted in Nashville, events and media engagements span the country, with major activations in urban centers like Chicago and Philadelphia.
How Media Can Engage:
Potential media angles and features include:
- The evolution of Dry January® USA and the significance of YELLOW
- The story behind January 7: the first official Dry January® USA Day
- Behind the scenes with the Try Dry® app: how technology supports wellness goals
- Voices from the campaign: testimonials from musicians, chefs, hospitality leaders, and advocates
- Public health data on alcohol-related harms and opportunities for positive change
- Live demonstrations: zero-proof cocktail tastings, app tutorials, or town halls with students and community leaders
Media Contact Information:
- Dr. Michael Caldwell – mccaldwell@mmc.edu
- Dry January® USA Media Team – healthchief@gmail.com
- Text or Call: 914-474-4034
JOIN THE MOVEMENT!
LET‘S GO YELLOW THIS YEAR!
#DryJanuaryUSA #GoYellow #MindfulDrinking #MeharryMedicalCollege