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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