NAMI Johnston County, NC, Inc.

05/05/2026

05/05/2026

Yesterday was a powerful, collaborative day for NAMI .

NAMI Johnston County, NC, Inc. came together with NAMI of Cumberland County part of the NAMI North Carolina network to present at a Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) session at Johnston Community College, also thanks to its partnership with Alliance.

👉👉So what is CIT?

Crisis Intervention Training is a critical partnership between NAMI, law enforcement, and EMS responders across the country.

It equips first responders with the tools, understanding, and compassion needed to support individuals experiencing mental health crises.

Yesterday, we had the opportunity to educate, connect, and share not only the mission of NAMI but the power of CIT!

Founded in 1979, NAMI now has more than 600 affiliates nationwide, all working toward one goal—ensuring that no one faces mental health challenges alone.

Every single program NAMI offers is free.

We heard from Richard Anthony Callahan, President for NAMI Johnston County NC Inc who brought depth and perspective to NAMI’s history and impact. His own journey of mental health involving family members and we shared videos that helped bring the mission to life in a very real and human way.

We were also joined by Felicia McPherson, Board Member and Hannah Carroll, President for NAMI Cumberland County of NC who delivered incredibly moving testimonies on the power of CIT and what it means in real-life moments.

And Lauren Raguzin shared her own journey, experience with clinical depression after her first layoff, the heartbreak of losing her best friend to su***de, and the story of Alex Dane Lockley Board Member responsible for Su***de Awareness and Prevention for NAMI Johnston County NC Inc who could not be with us but whose story continues to matter and actually healed Lauren of 5 years of guilt she has carried.

May is Month.

And here’s the truth: everyone can make a difference.

If you’re reading this, share it.
💙Talk about mental health.
💙Tell someone about NAMI.
💙Every program NAMI offers is free, and help is real.

If you want to get involved, visit NAMI.org.

You never know whose life you might touch—just by starting the conversation.

We encourage you to take a look at the video below as it depicts the power of NAMI!

05/04/2026

Honored to be part of agenda at Jcc Public Safety Complex as part of CIT (Crisis Intervention Training)

We are educating officers, EMS about NAMI, how we support CIT, President Richard Anthony Callahan kicks off session and Lauren Raguzin will be sharing her story and how she has been touched by su***de and why she joined NAMI Johnston County, NC, Inc.

Also joining us is Board Member, Felishia McPhereson addressing those in attendance, stay tuned!

05/04/2026

CIT class begins this morning. NAMI presentations today and Thursday.

04/29/2026

NAMI JoCoNC at Johnston Community College Cram Fest.

04/15/2026

Guest Post:
Lauren Raguzin Board Member & Director of Marketing Communications, NAMI Johnston County, NC, Inc.

Through my support and collaboration with the Global Society of Female Entrepreneurs, I’ve had the privilege of getting to know Laurie Davis —someone who has dedicated over three decades to mental health. But what connects us deeply is a shared passion:

Su***de awareness and prevention.

On Sunday, April 19, Dr. Laurie will be hosting her first “40 Reasons to Stay Alive” workshop.

This is something I truly believe in.

It’s FREE for youth (12–17) and just $20 for adults—and it will continue as a monthly workshop.

This matters.

Because this isn’t a one-time conversation. It’s something we need to keep showing up for.

The reality is… su***de continues to impact far too many lives.

It breaks my heart. I see it every day for particularly those who job seeking. I try to help as many people as I can cause what I’ve learned many times it’s not about the actual job. It’s about feeling seen heard in valued.

And in my role with NAMI—and in my life—I am committed to doing everything I can to bring awareness, connection, and support to others.

Tomorrow, I’ll also be speaking on a podcast about mental health and this very topic. Because these conversations matter.

If you know someone who may be struggling…
If you know a family who has experienced this kind of loss…

Or if you simply want to better understand how to support others…

Please share this post.

There is no formal registration link—just reach out directly to Dr. Laurie Davis via email to join.

Email: drlauriedavis@gmail.com with any questions

Dr. Laurie also has a weekly show so if you have a story to share advice or maybe you’re a su***de survivor you need to connect to Dr. Laurie because sharing our stories can save lives

You never know who might need this. 💚

04/05/2026

Today, many are celebrating Easter and Passover—two meaningful holidays centered on hope, renewal, freedom, and faith.

At NAMI Johnston County, NC, Inc. we also want to gently acknowledge something that often goes unspoken:

Not everyone is feeling joy today.

For some, holidays can bring grief, loneliness, anxiety, or the weight of memories and expectations. And that’s okay.

Wherever you find yourself today—celebrating, struggling, or somewhere in between—you are not alone.

Take a moment to care for yourself.
Reach out if you need support.
Give yourself permission to feel whatever you’re feeling.

And if you’re in a place to do so, check in on someone else. A simple message can mean more than you know.

Wishing you peace, strength, and moments of light—today and always. 💛

04/05/2026

Happy Easter to All our NAMI family!

03/22/2026

Join us tonight at 6:30pm for our NAMI Family Support Group.