Kentucky takes early lead over Florida in annual blood drive

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ) – Kentucky finished the first day of Big Blue Slam blood drive with a slim 11-point margin over Florida, 350 to 339.

The community blood supply is currently low because of recent winter weather and flu season, but Kentucky Blood Center (KBC) is giving donors 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 for rolling up their sleeves, donors will receive a special long-sleeve T-shirt.

“Even though the weather is much better this week, we’re still trying to make up for the blood donations we lost during the past two weeks because of the winter storms,” said Martha Osborne, KBC’s Vice President of Marketing. “We appreciate all the generous donors today and look forward to seeing many more the rest of the week.”

KBC and LifeSouth Community Blood Centers in Florida enjoy this friendly competition every January to see whose donors can give the most blood. Big Blue Slam is a fun way to prove who has the most generous fans while also helping to pump up the community blood supply at a time when colds, flu and winter weather has negatively affected it. Kentucky leads the Gators in this competition, 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.

Categories: Local News, News

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