The 501 (c)(3) nonprofit 22 Forever’s mission is to help young people thrive by creating a middle school "brain health" curriculum. The youth-led curriculum will help students better understand how their brains and minds are developing and shaped by their choices, environment, stress, substance use, and excessive screen time. Students also learn the importance of self-compassion, connection, emotional literacy, and healthy coping skills.

The 22 Forever Curriculum Lessons Will Include:

a) Adolescent brain development and basic neurobiology
b) Defining neuroplasticity and how choices, environment, and actions shape well-being
c) The impact of repeated stress on the developing brain
d) Substance use (alcohol, nicotine, and cannabis) and the adolescent brain’s reward system
e) Effects of excessive screen time on the developing brain
f) How THC in marijuana affects the developing brain
g) Dangers and prevalence of synthetic street drugs (fentanyl, xylazine, etc.)

Skills for Lifelong Well-being, Including the Importance of:

a) Reframing negative self-talk and practicing self-compassion
b) Mindfulness, gratitude, sleep, and boredom
c) Emotional awareness and problem-solving
d) Human connection, creativity, and physical activity

Founder Kristen Gilliland, Ph.D., was inspired to develop this curriculum after the heartbreaking loss of her 22-year-old son, Anders, to an accidental drug overdose. Anders suffered from anxiety and depression in middle school. He tried to escape his anxiety and depression using substances. At the age of 17, Anders was diagnosed with schizophrenia - most likely associated with his high-potency (THC) marijuana use in his early teens. The severe decline in his mental health led to him using opioids and stimulants. The nation's alarming rise in youth depression and anxiety further motivated Kristen to develop this curriculum. She is committed and driven to shifting these outcomes through early education and proactive support so other families do not experience similar tragedies.

Support Youth Brain Health!

Brain Health = Mental Health

Team Members