Competition Between UK and Florida Fans is Jan. 22-26 at All KBC Locations
LEXINGTON, Ky. – Kentucky fans can do more than cheer from the stands to beat rival Florida this January. Big Blue Slam, Kentucky’s annual competition with LifeSouth Community Blood Center in Florida to shore up the winter blood supply, is next week, Jan. 22-26, at all KBC donor centers and mobile drives.
The friendly rivalry with the Gators is an important week to stock the blood shelves in the winter months when weather and illness can hinder collections. This past week’s wintry conditions have had a direct impact on the current blood supply, placing an even bigger emphasis on the need for donors to be a part of next week’s competition.
“Big Blue Nation, we need your help next week to save local lives,” said Mandy Brajuha, VP of external relations at KBC. “This past week alone, 14 drives were canceled with a loss of more than 450 donations due to weather. That inhibits our ability to provide lifesaving blood to our 70-plus hospitals. We are counting on the passion of Kentucky fans to give a much-needed boost to the blood supply.”
The recent winter weather has been particularly hard on the supply for O- and A- blood. KBC is in critical need of both blood types with less than a day’s supply for its local hospital partners. KBC is the exclusive blood provider for UK Healthcare, Baptist Health System, CHI Saint Joseph Health, Appalachian Regional Healthcare and many others.
Slam the Gators and Get a T-Shirt!
All donors who give blood will receive a limited-edition Big Blue Slam T-shirt and will be entered to win two lower-level tickets to the UK-Florida men’s basketball game in Rupp Arena on Jan. 31. Donors can give at any of KBC’s eight donor centers or any mobile drive throughout the week. KBC donor centers, listed below, are open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. during Big Blue Slam. Mobile drives can be found at bit.ly/KBC_BigBlueSlam24.
This will be the 16th annual blood battle between Kentucky and Florida. Riding a three-year winning streak, KBC leads the series 9-6.
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. Sixteen-year-old donors must have a signed parental permission slip, which can be found at kybloodcenter.org.
Donors can schedule an appointment at kybloodcenter.org or call 800.775.2522. Appointments are highly encouraged during Big Blue Slam. Walk-ins will be accepted as space allows.
