Kentucky Leads Florida Going Into Final Day of ‘Big Blue Slam’

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ) – Heading into the last day of Big Blue Slam, Kentucky maintains the lead against Florida, 1,343 to 1,226.

“Let’s finish Big Blue Slam strong and have a big Friday. Even though we’re ahead, it’s not about winning. It’s about the Kentucky patients who depend on the Big Blue Nation of blood donors,” said Martha Osborne, Kentucky Blood Center’s Executive Director of Marketing and Recruitment.

The friendly competition between Kentucky Blood Center (KBC) and LifeSouth Community Blood Centers in Gainesville pits fans of the Cats and the Gators to see who can donate the most blood the last week in January. Kentucky and Florida are tied, each winning four times since their competition began in 2009.

Everyone who registers to donate during Slam will receive a long-sleeve black Big Blue Slam T-shirt and a chance to win a pair of tickets to the 2017 NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship First/Second Rounds in March in Indianapolis.

KBC donor centers will be open special hours during Slam week, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Friday.

Andover Donor Center
Andover Shoppes in Lexington

Beaumont Donor Center
Beaumont Centre in Lexington

Middletown Donor Center
near Buffalo Wild Wings in Louisville

Pikeville Donor Center
472 S. Mayo Trail

Somerset Donor Center
10 Stonegate Centre at Stoplight 16A

For more information about Big Blue Slam or to find Big Blue Slam blood drives, visit kybloodcenter.org or call 800.775.2522. No appointments are necessary.

Blood donors must be 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.