Kentucky Fans Asked to Help Rebuild Blood Supply, Beat Florida
LEXINGTON, Ky. – The community blood supply is currently low, but Kentucky Blood Center 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.
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.
Save Lives and Slam the Gators
Beaumont Donor Center
Phone: 859.276.2534
Hours:
Monday-Friday: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Schedule an appointment or call 800.775.2522
Andover Donor Center
Phone: 859.327.3223
Hours:
Monday-Friday: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Schedule an appointment or call 800.775.2522
Middletown Donor Center
Phone: 502.290.0537
Hours:
Tuesday-Friday: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Schedule an appointment or call 800.775.2522
Pikeville Donor Center
Phone: 606.432.4979
Hours:
Monday-Friday: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Schedule an appointment or call 800.775.2522
Somerset Donor Center
Phone: 606.679.7413
Hours:
Monday-Friday: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Schedule an appointment or call 800.775.2522