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Big Blue Slam 2016 Final Results Jan. 29, 2016

Florida Nips Kentucky by Six in Big Blue Slam

A donor at the Rupp Arena blood drive for Big Blue Slam 2016.

LEXINGTON, Ky. – The Gators pulled ahead in the final day of Big Blue Slam, beating Kentucky, 1,545 to 1,539.

“Even though we didn’t win this year, it was still a good week. Cat fans rolled up their sleeves, saved lives and helped beef up the blood supply that was critically low after the winter weather last week,” said Martha Osborne, Executive Director of Marketing and Recruitment for Kentucky Blood Center. “Thanks to the Big Blue Nation for helping Kentucky patients. That’s what Big Blue Slam is really all about.”

This eighth annual blood drive competition is between Kentucky and Florida fans and KBC and LifeSouth Community Blood Centers in Gainesville. The competition is now tied at four apiece. UK and Florida meet on the court Feb. 6 in Rupp Arena and March 1 at Gainesville.

About Kentucky Blood Center

KBC, founded nearly 50 years ago, 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 hospitals.

All blood that is donated with KBC is returned to the Beaumont Donor Center where it is processed, prepared and stored for shipment to Kentucky hospitals.

Blood needs are ongoing. Red cells last only 42 days and must be continually replenished to adequately support Kentucky hospitals. Statistics show that one in seven hospital patients will require blood transfusions during their stay. However, only 37 percent of the population is eligible to donate blood and less than 10 percent does. All blood types are needed, and there is a particular need for type O negative blood since it is the “universal donor” and needed in emergencies when the patient’s blood type is unknown.

The blood already on the shelf is the blood used in an emergency. That’s why KBC is always encouraging people to donate blood.