January 6, 2026 | From City of New Orleans
City of New Orleans Announces Mardi Gras First Aid Stations Along Uptown and Endymion Routes
As New Orleans prepares for another unforgettable Mardi Gras season, the City of New Orleans Health Department (NOHD), in partnership with New Orleans Emergency Medical Services (NOEMS), is proud to announce the return of Mardi Gras First Aid Stations along the traditional Uptown and Endymion parade routes. LCMC Health will once again serve as the sponsored partner this year, continuing a proven collaboration focused on protecting health and keeping residents and visitors safe during Carnival.
Beginning Friday, February 6, the NOHD First Aid Stations will be strategically placed along major parade routes to provide free, on-site care and safety resources for revelers, ensuring quick access to treatment for minor injuries and health needs while reducing strain on emergency rooms and keeping the celebration safe. The stations will also offer a variety of helpful supplies at no cost, including hand sanitizer, bandage dispensers, sunscreen, collapsible or drawstring bags, and other parade-day essentials, and LCMC Health will provide pop-up nursing tents to offer private and comfortable spaces for nursing mothers along the route.
“People come to Mardi Gras for the joy, the tradition, and the memories,” said Dr. Jennifer Avegno, Director of the New Orleans Health Department. “Our goal is to make sure those memories are positive and safe. Thanks to LCMC Health and our many partners, we’re bringing care directly to the parade routes so everyone can celebrate responsibly and return home healthy.”
“At LCMC Health, our commitment to the community goes far beyond the walls of our hospitals,” said Greg Feirn, CEO of LCMC Health. “We are proud to partner with local agencies like New Orleans EMS and NOHD during Mardi Gras to ensure a safe and celebratory environment for everyone. It’s an honor for our team to give back to the city we love, helping our neighbors and visitors stay healthy so they can focus on the joy and tradition of the season."
The First Aid Stations will be staffed by trained volunteers and professionals from the NOHD, NOEMS, New Orleans Medical Reserve Corps, the NOLA Ready Volunteer Corps, and the Louisiana Chapter of the American Red Cross. All volunteers are CPR- and first aid-trained and prepared to treat basic injuries. If additional care is needed, trained professionals will assist with transport to a nearby emergency care facility.
“Through the NOLA Ready Volunteer Corps, community members step up to support public safety during major events like Mardi Gras,” said NOHSEP Director, Collin Arnold. “Their presence at First Aid Stations helps ensure quick assistance for minor injuries and gives revelers peace of mind while they celebrate. We’re proud to work with the New Orleans Health Department and partner agencies to support this effort during Carnival.”
In addition to medical support, the First Aid Stations will serve as clearly marked lost-child reunification points, easily identified by large red tents along the route.
Uptown Parade Route First Aid Station Locations: February 6-8 and 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 First Aid Station Locations: February 14
- N. Hennessey St. & Orleans Ave.
- Norman C. Francis Pkwy. & Canal St.
- S. Galvez St. & Canal St.
- The Circle at Howard Ave.
For more information about the NOHD Mardi Gras First Aid Stations and other public health resources during Carnival, visit nola.gov/health.