Dry January's official home is now Meharry Medical College in Nashville: Why that matters

In a landmark collaboration, we, Dr. James E.K. Hildreth, President & CEO of Meharry Medical College, and Dr. Richard Piper, CEO of Alcohol Change UK, have joined forces to celebrate and to endorse Meharry Medical College as the official home of Dry January? USA.

This partnership marks a significant milestone in the college's commitment to fostering a culture of wellness and supporting individuals in their journey towards a healthier lifestyle.

Dry January? is a registered trademark, headquartered in the U.K. and started in 2013. Dry January? USA, is the official representative of the global Dry January? program, and has found its first and official home in Nashville, Tennessee, with Meharry Medical College signing a five-year exclusive licensing agreement with Alcohol Change U.K.

This partnership signifies a major milestone in the movement towards a healthier and more balanced approach to alcohol consumption. By encouraging individuals to abstain from alcohol use for the month of January, Dry January? USA aims to raise awareness about the potential health benefits of reducing alcohol intake and to promote a culture of moderation.

Dry January challenge: What are the benefits and how to participate in Nashville

Meharry is leading the way in health care with Dry January and School of Global Health

Meharry Medical College is a historic institution, renowned for its commitment to excellence in healthcare and education and is the perfect setting for promoting the values and benefits of Dry January?.

With a rich legacy of advancing medical knowledge and addressing health disparities, Meharry is uniquely positioned to champion the cause of Dry January? USA. The mission of Meharry is to serve the underserved. We believe that alcohol use is an underrecognized part of the addiction spectrum and perfectly aligns with our longstanding commitment to our community and country.

One of Meharry Medical College's recent groundbreaking initiatives is the establishment of the first School of Global Health in the United States.

This pioneering endeavor underscores Meharry's commitment to addressing health inequities on a global scale. By integrating global health perspectives into its curriculum and research, Meharry is equipping future healthcare professionals with real world knowledge and skills to tackle complex global health issues, including the harmful effects of excessive alcohol consumption.

Dry January partnership has the potential to transform public health outcomes

The collaboration between Meharry Medical College and Alcohol Change UK represents a significant step towards expanding the reach of Dry January? beyond national borders and provides Meharry with a unique leadership opportunity to contribute to the global conversation and research on the impact of alcohol on individuals, families and communities. With Meharry's expertise in global health and Alcohol Change UK's extensive experience in alcohol harm reduction, this partnership has the potential to make a lasting impact on public health worldwide. By sharing best practices, research findings, and resources, Meharry and Alcohol Change UK can amplify the message of moderation and responsible alcohol consumption.

The official designation of Meharry Medical College as the home of Dry January? USA marks a significant milestone in the movement towards a healthier and more balanced approach to alcohol consumption.

By embracing the leadership of Meharry Medical College, we are paving the way for a future where all of us can put a mirror up to our own personal relationship with alcohol, without judgment, and where the health and well-being of individuals and communities are prioritized.

With Meharry's esteemed reputation in research, innovation, health equity, and global health, the partnership between Meharry Medical College and Alcohol Change UK holds immense promise for transforming public health outcomes.

Together, we will create a world where individuals are empowered to make informed choices about their alcohol consumption, leading to healthier and happier lives for all.

James E. K. Hildreth, M.D., Ph.D., is president & CEO of Meharry Medical College. Richard Piper, Ph.D., is CEO of Alcohol Change U.K.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Dry January: Meharry Medical College becomes campaign's official home