Kentucky still trails Florida in blood donation competition

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ) – Kentucky and Florida are keeping things close. After Day Two of the 11^th annual Big Big Slam blood battle, the Gators lead the Cats by only 28, 601 to 573.

Big Blue Slam is the annual blood battle between the Cats and the Gators and KBC and LifeSouth Community Blood Centers in Gainesville to see which fans can donate the most blood at a time when winter weather and flu season can hamper donations. The competition goes through Friday at all KBC donor centers and blood drives. Kentucky and Florida are tied in the series, 5 to 5.

As a thank you for saving a life, Kentucky donors will receive a long-sleeve Big Blue Slam T-shirt.

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.