UK Has Slim Lead in Big Blue Crush

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 19, 2009) - The University of Kentucky is leading in the Big Blue Crush blood donation competition between UK and the University of Tennessee 1,990 to 1,873. It's a slim lead, so UK students, employees, alumni and friends are asked to make donations in an effort to beat UT this year. This is the 22nd year for Big Blue Crush in conjunction with the Kentucky Blood Center, and UT leads the overall competition 11 to 9 with one tie. This year's winner will be recognized during the UK vs. UT football game Saturday, Nov. 28, in UK's Commonwealth Stadium.

The remaining blood donation sites on campus this week are:

-- Thursday, Nov. 19, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Room H-133 UK Chandler Hospital

-- Thursday, Nov. 19, 2-8 p.m., UK Johnson Center lobby

-- Friday, Nov. 20, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Room H-133 UK Chandler Hospital

To schedule an appointment at any of the four donor centers around the state, call 1-800-775-2522 or visit the Kentucky Blood Center Web site. All donors will receive a T-shirt and a food coupon, and the rest of this week donors will be entered into a daily drawing for a football signed by UK Football Coach Rich Brooks.

The annual blood battle between Kentucky and Tennessee was established to help boost blood supplies in both states at a time of year when businesses and organizations are reluctant or unable to hold blood drives.