Florida takes lead in ‘Big Blue Slam’ blood drive

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ) – Florida pulled ahead of Kentucky at the halfway point of the 10th annual Big Blue Slam and now leads the blood drive competition, 937 to 905, with two days to go.

“This is just too close for comfort,” said Martha Osborne, Kentucky Blood Center’s Vice President of Marketing. “But we still have two more days with plenty of time for Cat fans to prove they bleed blue. However, it’s not just about beating Florida. It’s about helping Kentucky patients, too.”

The blood supply was hit hard this month by winter weather and the flu. During Big Blue Slam, blood donors have the opportunity to prebuild that supply while also beating Florida. As a thank you, they 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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