Big Blue Crush Still Saving Lives After 30 Years
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 13, 2017) – 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 kicks off today (Monday, Nov. 13) and runs through 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 health care of Kentucky during the holidays, a time when blood donations typically take a dip nationally,” said Martha Osborne, Kentucky Blood Center vice president of marketing. “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 to the Kentucky-Louisville football game Nov. 25. In addition, to help celebrate the 30th anniversary, Monday and Tuesday donors will be automatically entered to win one of 30 $30 Amazon gift cards. University of Kentucky campus donors are also eligible to win a Series 3 Apple Watch.
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. 13-17
Monday
Funkhouser Bloodmobile 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Singletary Center 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Tuesday
Gatton College 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Chem./Phys. Bldg. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Singletary Center 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Wednesday
Funkhouser Bloodmobile 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Singletary Center 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Thursday
Chandler Hospital 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Singletary Center 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Johnson Center 1-7 p.m.
Friday
Chandler Hospital 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, nonprofit 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.