11/06/2025
Guest Post from:
Lauren Raguzin Board Member, Director of Marketing and Communications for NAMI Johnston County, NC, Inc.
I’m grateful to share something deeply meaningful.
Mental health advocacy is close to my heart.
In 2021, I lost my best friend who died by su***de and I spoke to her that day not knowing it would be the last time.
It changed me in ways I could never have imagined, and it’s one of the reasons I chose to serve as a Board Member with NAMI for the last year.
I was recently published in a book What Is Your Why?
While most of my chapter focuses on my journey as my husband’s caregiver, who transitioned peacefully in June 25, following a two-year long battle with Stage 4 cancer, another profound part of my “WHY” is raising awareness about mental health and mental illness — and doing whatever I can to help others through education, compassion, and connection.
I’m also training to become a facilitator, because I want to walk alongside people who need support and help equip their loved ones with the knowledge to recognize the signs and never feel alone.
Recently, I had the privilege of sitting down with Alex Dane Lockley our newest Board Member, Director of Su***de Awareness and Prevention. His story is miraculous.
Truly.
As he was sharing his story with me, I kept thinking… how is he still here?
And when he told me what happened and how his life was saved, it gave me goosebumps.
It is beyond miraculous.
After he finished, I suggested we partner on a social media campaign — and these were the final words I said to him:
“Alex, do you realize how many lives you’re going to save?”
I’m honored to have met him, and even more honored to help share his story. He recognizes the signs, understands the warning signals firsthand, and is deeply focused on saving lives so others never have to walk alone.
Over the coming weeks, Alex and I will be partnering to build a social media campaign focused on su***de awareness, prevention, and recognizing the signs before a crisis occurs.
You’ll also hear from Alex directly — why he joined NAMI, the purpose behind his work, and his goals for this effort. We’ll be launching the campaign in early December.
While su***de affects individuals all year long, the holidays can be especially difficult. People often feel isolated, overwhelmed, or invisible.
Our goal is to make sure they know they’re not.
Our ASK
👉Please share this post
✏️Invite others to FOLLOW this page
Alex’s journey will move you.
And for someone scrolling at the right moment, it may be the message that saves their life — or helps a loved one recognize when to step in.
The campaign has multiple parts but will launch in early December.
Together, we can create more understanding, more compassion, and more hope. 🤍
If you or someone you love is struggling, you are not alone.
📞 988 — Su***de & Crisis Lifeline
***dePrevention
