Kentucky Blood Center Leads MEDIC Regional Blood Center 986–824
LEXINGTON, Ky. – Tennessee fans stepped up with a big turnout on day two of Big Blue Crush, but Kentucky donors met the challenge with their best single-day showing since 2019. After 533 donors gave blood with Kentucky Blood Center on Tuesday, KBC leads MEDIC Regional Blood Center (Tennessee) 986–824.
It’s the first time KBC donors have eclipsed the 500-mark in a single day on Big Blue Crush since before the COVID-19 pandemic. The massive turnout – an encouraging sign for a blood supply in need of a boost – helped cushion the uptick Tennessee typically enjoys as this yearly competition goes on.
“We knew Tennessee was going to make a move as they so often do in this yearly competition, but Kentucky fans figuratively flexed their muscles by rolling up their sleeves in droves on Tuesday,” said Mandy Brajuha, KBC’s vice president of external relations. “We can’t afford to let Tennessee to get back into this, and more importantly, we really need the blood for next week.”
Although beating rival Tennessee is a prime motivator in donating blood this week, stocking the blood shelves before the Thanksgiving holiday is the top priority. The Thanksgiving closure and holiday-related travel historically leads to poor collections during the holiday week, but the need for doesn’t take a break. Much of the blood collected during Big Blue Crush will ensure local patients have the lifesaving blood products they need next week and beyond at KBC’s 70-plus hospitals.
Donors on the University of Kentucky’s campus continue to impress. Another 122 Wildcats gave blood at UK on Tuesday for ta two-day total of 243 donors. Many of those donations will end up on the other side of campus, as 40% of KBC’s blood supply supports UK HealthCare.
The possibility of a wintry mix continues to pose a risk for collections on Thursday, so KBC is encouraging donors to donate blood Wednesday. Donors can make an appointment at a KBC donor center or public mobile drives available at UK, in Frankfort, Columbia or Whitesburg. Participating locations, times and appointment slots are available at bit.ly/BigBlueCrush2024. Donors can also call 800.775.2522. Appointments are highly encouraged during Big Blue Crush, but walk-ins will be accepted as space allows.
All donors will receive 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. Additionally, those who give at a KBC donor center will receive a coupon for a free pint of Blue Bell ice cream.
With four victories in five of the last events, Kentucky leads Big Blue Crush 21-14-1.
One in four people will need a blood transfusion in their lifetime. KBC is the exclusive provider of blood to UK HealthCare, Baptist Health, CHI Saint Joseph, Appalachian Regional Healthcare and more.
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.
