Kentucky Trails 17th Annual Blood Battle With Two Days Left
LEXINGTON, Ky. – Florida fans snatched the lead from Kentucky fans in the latest momentum swing of the 17th annual Big Blue Slam.
LifeSouth Community Blood Center out of Florida used the biggest collection day (268 donations) of the 2025 event to seize control of another back-and-forth battle. With Kentucky Blood Center’s 231 donations on Wednesday, the Wildcats trail the Gators 757-724.
Two days remain in the five-day competition to collect the most blood as KBC tries to extend its four-year winning streak and give the blood supply a much-needed boost. KBC leads the overall series 10-6.
“Florida donors stepped up Wednesday,” said Mandy Brajuha, VP of external relations at KBC. “Now we must do the same. Thirty-three donations aren’t a lot to overcome, but we can’t afford another day like today. Big Blue Nation, it’s time to rally. We urge you to make time to donate over the next two days. As much as we want to win Slam, we truly need your help to shore up the supply.”
Donors can schedule their appointment to make a lifesaving donation at bit.ly/BigBlueSlam2025 or call 800.775.2522. Seven of KBC’s eight donor centers are open Thursday along with public mobile drives on the University of Kentucky’s campus and in Morgan and Pulaski counties. Appointments are highly encouraged during Big Blue Slam. Walk-ins will be accepted as space allows.
All donors will receive a retro Big Blue Slam T-shirt.
Types O- and A- remain in critical need – meaning KBC has less than a day’s supply for its 70-plus hospital partners – but all types are needed. KBC’s blood supply took a major hit in recent weeks from winter-weather cancellations and an uptick in transfusions.
Whole blood donations take less than an hour from registration to refreshment. All blood donated with KBC stays local for patients in need of lifesaving products from trauma, for surgeries and organ transplants, to battle diseases such as cancer and sickle cell disease, for blood disorders, and so much more.
Blood 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.
