BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — Three years after the tragic suicide of their 24-year-old son, Alice and Gerald Bahlinger have turned their grief into action by funding mental health initiatives at Louisiana State University.
Matthew Bahlinger, a member of the LSU Tiger Marching Band, struggled with depression for six to seven years before his death. Despite receiving therapy, he felt he was not getting the help he needed. His parents, determined to prevent similar tragedies, have worked with the LSU Foundation and other partners to establish a full-time therapist within the band and music department.
“He just was big-hearted and he cared,” said Alice Bahlinger, reflecting on her son’s desire for justice and fairness.
Donate to the Matthew Bahlinger Memorial Fund.
“It’s one of the first things we did with the student health center, was QPR training, Question, Persuade, Refer,” said Gerald Bahlinger, emphasizing the importance of suicide prevention training…