UK Happenings

Kentucky Leading Tennessee After 2 Days of Big Blue Crush Blood Drive

graphic that shows day 2 results of Big Blue Crush blood drive. Kentucky donors totaled 494 on day 2 compared to Tennessee donor total of 384.
Courtesy Kentucky Blood Center.

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 18, 2020)With 494 Kentucky Blood Center (KBC) donors rolling up their sleeves to show they bleed blue Tuesday, Kentucky took the lead over Tennessee fans who donated 384 units with Medic Regional Blood Center. The score after two days of competition is 884 for KBC and 805 for Medic.                            

“Cats fans really showed up today to crush the Vols,” said Vice President of External Relations for Kentucky Blood Center Mandy Brajuha yesterday. “There are three more days to help relieve the current blood shortage and build the holiday supply. As we move through the week, remember that blood donation is considered essential and safe.”

KBC and Medic Regional Blood Center in Knoxville annually compete to see whose donors can give the most blood the week prior to Thanksgiving. Kentucky leads the rivalry 18 to 13 with one tie.

As a thank you for saving lives, Big Blue Crush donors receive a long-sleeved Crush T-shirt and are entered to win a 65” Samsung Crystal UHD television. All donations are being tested for COVID-19 antibodies through the end of 2020 as well.

KBC urges Kentucky fans to help maintain the lead by visiting any KBC donor center (open 9 a.m.–6 p.m. for Crush) or by donating at a mobile blood drive through Friday. Following are locations on the University of Kentucky campus:

Wednesday, Nov. 18

Lewis Honors College: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

Patterson Hall (Room 118): 10 a.m.–2 p.m.

Thursday, Nov. 19

Lewis Honors College: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

Patterson Hall (Room 118): 10 a.m.–2 p.m.

Friday, Nov. 20

Lewis Honors College: 11 a.m.–5 p.m.

Buell Armory: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

A complete list of blood drive locations and hours is available at www.kybloodcenter.org/events/big-blue-crush-2020.

As the state’s flagship, land-grant institution, the University of Kentucky exists to advance the Commonwealth. We do that by preparing the next generation of leaders — placing students at the heart of everything we do — and transforming the lives of Kentuckians through education, research and creative work, service and health care. We pride ourselves on being a catalyst for breakthroughs and a force for healing, a place where ingenuity unfolds. It's all made possible by our people — visionaries, disruptors and pioneers — who make up 200 academic programs, a $476.5 million research and development enterprise and a world-class medical center, all on one campus.   

In 2022, UK was ranked by Forbes as one of the “Best Employers for New Grads” and named a “Diversity Champion” by INSIGHT into Diversity, a testament to our commitment to advance Kentucky and create a community of belonging for everyone. While our mission looks different in many ways than it did in 1865, the vision of service to our Commonwealth and the world remains the same. We are the University for Kentucky.