NEW ORLEANS — As the floats prepare to roll, the American Red Cross of Louisiana is launching its annual Mardi Gras mission to ensure that New Orleans’ largest celebration is also its safest. Through a comprehensive operation, the Red Cross is expanding its footprint to provide first aid to revelers and critical support to the city’s first responders and those working behind the scenes during Mardi Gras. 

Through the "Fueling the Front Lines" initiative, Red Cross volunteers will walk the parade route to provide hydration and snacks to NOPD officers, EMS practitioners, firefighters and other city crews working grueling 12-hour shifts. This massive logistical undertaking is made possible through the generosity of community partners who recognize that safety is a shared responsibility. 

The 2026 mission is supported by Morris Bart Personal Injury Lawyer_s, along with supporting sponsors _Bank of America, First Horizon Bank, Sodexo, Hubig's Pies, and Hufft Marchand Hospitality. These partnerships not only support the Mardi Gras mission but also sustain the Red Cross’s ability to respond to local disasters, such as home fires, every single day of the year. 

“Mardi Gras doesn’t happen without the thousands of heroes working behind the scenes, and our mission doesn't happen without the sponsors and volunteers who stand with us,” said Kenneth St. Charles, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of the American Red Cross of Louisiana. “We are deeply grateful to Morris Bart and all our partners. Their investment is a commitment to the safety of every family in our community, whether they are on the parade route or recovering from a personal crisis at home.” 

First Aid Station Locations (Uptown Route: Feb. 6–8 & Feb. 11–17):

• Louisiana Ave. & St. Charles Ave. 

• St. Andrew St. & St. Charles Ave. 

• The Circle at Howard Ave. & St. Charles Ave. 

• Canal St. & St. Charles Ave. 

Endymion-Only Locations (Feb. 14):

• N. Hennessey St. & Orleans Ave. 

• Norman C. Francis Pkwy. & Canal St. 

• S. Galvez St. & Canal St. 

• The Circle at Howard Ave. 

“Our volunteers are the heartbeat of this organization,” St. Charles said. “From handing a Hubig's Pie to a tired officer to treating a minor injury on St. Charles Avenue, they prove that when the community calls, the Red Cross and our partners, are ready to answer.” 
 
The American Red Cross of Louisiana remains committed to its 365-day mission of preventing and alleviating human suffering in the face of emergencies. By combining the power of local volunteers with innovative technology like the Parade Tracker and First Aid apps, the Red Cross continues to adapt its service to meet the unique needs of the Louisiana community during its most celebrated season and beyond. 
 
For more information on the American Red Cross of Louisiana, or to learn how you can support local disaster relief efforts through volunteering or donations, please visit redcross.org/louisiana or call 1-800-RED-CROSS. Residents are also encouraged to download the free Red Cross First Aid App for instant access to safety tips and emergency guidance throughout the carnival season. 

RED CROSS APPS Download the free Red Cross First Aid app, so you’ll know what to do if emergency help is delayed and the free Emergency app for weather alerts, open Red Cross shelter locations and safety steps for different emergencies. Choose whether you want to view the content in English or Spanish with an easy-to-find language selector. Find Red Cross apps in smartphone app stores by searching for the American Red Cross or going to redcross.org/apps

About the American Red Cross: The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.