Forsyth County Drug Summit 2026
About this Event
Join us for the Forsyth County Drug Summit 2026!
Be part of an engaging evening focused on education, connection, and prevention. This year’s summit will feature a special presentation on the effects of marijuana and vaping on the teenage brain, along with expert insights and practical strategies to help protect our youth.
Designed for parents, community members, educators, and local leaders, this event provides indispensable information and tools to support prevention efforts right here in Forsyth County. Come learn, connect, and be part of building a healthier, safer community for our families.
The "Grill Guys" at Local Church are donating dinner. During this time you can visit our resource area.
BIOGRAPHY
Kristen M. Gilliland, Ph.D.
Research Assistant Professor – Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt School of Medicine Basic Sciences
President and Executive Director – 22 Forever
Professor Emeritus, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
Kristen earned her Ph.D. at the University of Colorado, Boulder in Organic Chemistry. She later served as anAssociate Professor of Chemistry at Cal Poly State University, San Luis Obispo where she taught Organic Chemistry, Neurochemistry, and the Chemistry of Drugs and Poisons. After Kristen’s 17-year-old son, Anders, developed schizophrenia - which was most likely associated with high-potency cannabis use in his earlyteens - Kristen joined the Warren Center for NeuroscienceDrug Discovery at Vanderbilt University (2018). At Vanderbilt, she researched new antipsychotic treatments for schizophrenia. During that same year, Kristen delivered a TEDx presentation titled Rewiring Revolution: Neuroplasticity’s Impact on Wellbeing. Tragically, Kristen lost her son to an accidental overdose in 2019 after his mental health severely declined, and he became addicted to opioids and stimulants.
Two years after her devastating loss, Kristen changed the trajectory of her life to utilize her scientific teaching and research skills to educate adolescent-aged children and their caregivers on mental health challenges and how it can lead to substance use and self-harm. As the Director of Outreach and Advocacy Programs and AssistantProfessor of Research at the Warren Center, Kristen presented to youth, caregivers, legislators, and law enforcement about the impact repeated stress, social media, screen time, and substances have on the developing adolescent brain. In addition, she developed a multi award-winning educational documentary aimed at youth titled “Speaking Through Me” that was released August 2023.
Kristen has appeared on NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt and NewsNation: Elizabeth Vargas Reports regarding increased psychosis risk with high-potency cannabis use during adolescence. In 2025, the overwhelming desire to reach more youth called Kristen to launch the non-profit“22 Forever” in memory of her son, Anders. As the President and Executive Director of 22 Forever while still Assistant Professor of Research at Vanderbilt Medical School, Kristen delivers adolescent brain health presentations both nationally and internationally. Furthermore, 22 Forever’s mission extends to empowering young minds through a middle school brain health curriculum that nurtures wellbeing and fosters resilience and self-compassion as a means of substance use prevention.
Where is it happening?
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