Florida extends lead over Kentucky in ‘Big Blue Slam’ blood drive
LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ) – Three days into Big Blue Slam blood drive and Florida’s lead has grown. Kentucky Blood Center saw 237 donors roll up their sleeves for the 12th annual event on Wednesday, while 281 Gator fans donated, bringing the three-day score to 722 for Florida and 671 for Kentucky, giving Florida a 51-donor lead.
Big Blue Slam is the annual blood battle between the Cats and the Gators to see which fans can donate the most blood. The annual competition week goes through Friday, and is at all Kentucky Blood Center (KBC) donor centers and blood drives.
Kentucky has a 6-5 lead in this yearly challenge between KBC and LifeSouth Community Blood Centers in Gainesville. Big Blue Slam helps to encourage blood donors when winter weather and flu season can hamper donations.
“We really want to encourage Kentucky fans to show our Wildcat spirit over the last two days of Big Blue Slam,” said Martha Osborne, Vice President of Marketing for KBC. “Our loyal donors know the impact their donations make on the communities we serve, and we would also love to see some Kentucky fans try blood donation for the first time as we close out Slam.”
As a thank you for saving a life, Kentucky donors will receive a throwback Big Blue Slam T-shirt (pictured).
Donors may give at any KBC mobile blood drive or donor center. KBC donor centers, which will be open 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. for Slam week, are listed below:
Andover Donor Center
3130 Maple Leaf Drive, Lexington
Beaumont Donor Center
3121 Beaumont Centre Circle, Lexington
Hillview Donor Center
5406 Antle Drive, Louisville
Middletown Donor Center
12905 Shelbyville Road, Louisville
Pikeville Donor Center
472 S. Mayo Trail, Pikeville
Somerset Donor Center
10 Stonegate Centre (Stoplight 16A), Somerset
Blood donors must be at least 17-years-old (16 with parental consent), weigh at least 110 pounds, be in general good health, show a photo I.D. and meet additional requirements. Sixteen-year-old donors must have a signed parental permission slip, which can be found at kybloodcenter.org.
Walk-ins are welcome. To schedule a donation or find other donation locations, visit kybloodcenter.org or call 800.775.2522.
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