The community blood supply is currently low, but Kentucky Blood Center (KBC) is giving donors a chance to help rebuild that supply while also proving they bleed blue during the 10th annual Big Blue Slam next week.
Big Blue Slam, which is Jan. 22-26, pits Kentucky fans against Florida fans to see who can donate the most blood. Donors during Slam will receive a special long-sleeve T-shirt.
“Big Blue Slam is always the last of January when the blood supply often needs a boost, and this year that is so true. Wintry weather has caused numerous blood drive cancellations and donor center closings while the flu has kept many regulars from donating,” said Martha Osborne, Vice President of Marketing for the blood center. “Recently, transfusions have been outpacing donations, and that’s serious,” she added.
KBC and LifeSouth Community Blood Centers in Florida enjoy this friendly competition every January to see whose donors can give the most blood. Big Blue Slam is a fun way to prove who has the most generous fans while also helping to pump up the community blood supply at a time when colds, flu and winter weather has negatively affected it. Kentucky leads the Gators in this competition, 5 to 4.
KBC donor centers, listed below are open special hours during Big Blue Slam week, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Beaumont Donor Center
3121 Beaumont Centre Circle, Lexington
Andover Donor Center
3130 Maple Leaf Drive, Lexington
Middletown Donor Center
12905 Shelbyville Road, Louisville
Somerset Donor Center
10 Stonegate Centre at Stoplight 16A
Pikeville Donor Center
472 S. Mayo Trail
In addition, the annual Rupp Arena Blood Drive will be Monday from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Donors will save a life in the arena and take a shot or two on the court. Texas Roadhouse will provide refreshments, and Matt Jones will do his KSR show live at Rupp 10 a.m. to noon. Rupp drive donors will also be automatically entered to win a UK Locker Room tour, which will be scheduled after Big Blue Slam week.
To make an appointment or to find other donation locations, visit kybloodcenter.org or call 800.775-2522, ext. 3758. Walk-ins are also welcome at all locations.
Blood donors must be at least 17-years-old (16 with parental consent), weigh at least 110 pounds and be in general good health. Donors must also show a photo I.D. with first and last name, like a state-issued driver’s license. Sixteen-year-old donors must have a signed parental permission slip, which can be found at kybloodcenter.org.
About Kentucky Blood Center
Celebrating 50 years of saving lives in Kentucky, KBC is the largest independent, full-service, non-profit blood center in Kentucky. Licensed by the FDA, KBC’s sole purpose is to collect, process and distribute blood for patients in Kentucky. KBC provides services in 90 Kentucky counties and has donor centers in Lexington, Louisville, Pikeville and Somerset.
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Eric Lindsey
Associate Director of Media Relations