Kentucky maintains slim lead over Florida in ‘Big Blue Slam’
LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ) – After the first two days of the annual Big Blue Slam blood drive competition, Kentucky’s lead over Florida has dwindled to eight, 644-636.
“This is a close one,” said Martha Osborne, Kentucky Blood Center’s Vice President of Marketing. “We invite the Big Blue Nation to donate this week at one of our blood drives or donor centers. While it’s always fun to beat Florida, it’s a really great feeling knowing you’re helping Kentucky patients.”
The blood supply was hit hard this month by winter weather and the flu, but this week blood donors have a chance to help rebuild that supply while also proving they bleed blue during the 10th annual Big Blue Slam, which goes through Friday. As a thank you, donors will receive a special long-sleeve T-shirt.
KBC and LifeSouth Community Blood Centers in Florida enjoy this friendly competition every January to see whose donors can give the most blood. Kentucky leads the Gators in this blood battle, 5 to 4.
KBC donor centers, listed below are open special hours during Big Blue Slam week, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Beaumont Donor Center
3121 Beaumont Centre Circle, Lexington
Andover Donor Center
3130 Maple Leaf Drive, Lexington
Middletown Donor Center
12905 Shelbyville Road, Louisville
Somerset Donor Center
10 Stonegate Centre at Stoplight 16A
Pikeville Donor Center
472 S. Mayo Trail
To make an appointment or to find other donation locations, visit kybloodcenter.org or call 800.775-2522, ext. 3758. Walk-ins are also welcome at all locations.
Blood donors must be at least 17-years-old (16 with parental consent), weigh at least 110 pounds and be in general good health. Donors must also show a photo I.D. with first and last name, like a state-issued driver’s license. Sixteen-year-old donors must have a signed parental permission slip, which can be found at kybloodcenter.org.
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