Donor Center Surge Boosts Another Big Day at Kentucky Blood Center
LEXINGTON, Ky. – Kentucky Blood Center’s lead grew in the 37th annual Big Blue Crush with another solid outing from Kentucky donors and fans.
With 475 Kentuckians rolling up their sleeves Wednesday, KBC leads MEDIC Regional Blood Center in Tennessee 1,461 donors to 1,239. Tennessee totaled 415 donors on day three of the five-day competition.
The Kentucky side was propelled by a big day at KBC donor centers where 277 people donated, the best donor center mark on a Wednesday of Big Blue Crush since 2013.
“To have a huge showing in the middle of the week is significant,” said Mandy Brajuha, KBC’s vice president of external relations. “Historically we see a midweek slump during Crush, but not this year. Big Blue Nation is doing its part to put blood on the shelves for the holidays.
Boosting the blood supply before the Thanksgiving holiday is the reason behind the event. Plugging into the power of two passionate fan bases, Big Blue Crush is geared to stock the shelves with blood before the traditional Thanksgiving week drop-off.
The need for blood never stops, and a big turnout at Big Blue Crush ensures lifesaving blood products remain available for local patients into December. KBC supplies more than 70 hospitals in Kentucky, including UK HealthCare, Baptist Health, CHI Saint Joseph Health and Appalachian Regional Healthcare.
Additional opportunities to play a part in a potential Big Blue win are available Thursday. All KBC donor centers except Pikeville will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., plus KBC will host five public mobile drives across the state – on campus at the University of Kentucky and in Casey, Lincoln, Morgan and Russell counties. Donors can visit bit.ly/BigBlueCrush2024 or call 800.775.2522 to schedule an appointment, which are highly recommended during Big Blue Crush. Walk-ins will be accepted as space allows.
Beyond the satisfaction of helping Kentucky beat rival Tennessee and saving local lives, donors will get a Big Blue Crush long-sleeve shirt and be entered to win two tickets to the Kentucky-Louisville football game on Nov. 30 at Kroger Field as a thank you for giving blood. Those who donate at a KBC donor center will receive a coupon for a free pint of Blue Bell ice cream.
KBC is looking to build on its 21-14-1 edge in the series. A strong finish would ensure a third straight Kentucky victory.
To donate blood at KBC, 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.
