UK Happenings

UK Leads Tennessee in the 30th Annual Big Blue Crush

Big Blue Crush T-shirt
Big Blue Crush T-shirt

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 16, 2017) – With two days to go, Kentucky blood donors are outpacing Tennessee donors, 1,500 to 1,085, in the 30th annual Big Blue Crush blood drive competition.

“We’ve had three great days so far, but there is still plenty of time to bleed blue and save Kentucky patients’ lives,” said Martha Osborne, vice president of marketing for Kentucky Blood Center (KBC).

This year marks the 30th time that Kentucky and Tennessee fans have competed to see who can donate the most blood for the holidays. The annual Big Blue Crush runs thru tomorrow (Friday, Nov. 17).

“Big Blue Crush is a fun week for donors and our staff, but it’s mostly about Kentucky patients. It’s our biggest blood donation week of the year and supports the healthcare of Kentucky during the holidays, a time when blood donations typically take a dip nationally,” said Osborne. “Of course, we also like to beat Tennessee.”

Anyone who registers to give blood with Kentucky Blood Center during Big Blue Crush week will receive a long-sleeve black T-shirt and a chance to win tickets the Kentucky-Louisville football game on Nov. 25.

Kentucky Blood Center (KBC) leads this blood collection competition against Medic Regional Blood Center in Knoxville 16-12 with 1 tie. KBC has won the past seven years.

Big Blue Crush Campus Blood Drives Nov. 16 & 17

Thursday

Med Center 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Singletary Center 10 a.m.- 6 p.m.

Johnson Center 1-7 p.m.

Friday

Med Center 8:30 a.m. -4:30 p.m.

Singletary Center 10 a.m. -4:30 p.m.

To find other Big Blue Crush donation locations or for more information, visit kybloodcenter.org or call 800.775-2522, ext. 3758.

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.

About Kentucky Blood Center

Founded nearly 50 years ago, KBC is the largest independent, full-service, non-profit blood center in Kentucky. Licensed by the FDA, KBC’s sole purpose is to collect, process and distribute blood for patients in Kentucky. KBC provides services in 90 Kentucky counties and has donor centers in Lexington, Louisville, Pikeville and Somerset.