LEXINGTON, Ky. – Florida still has a sizeable lead in the 2026 Big Blue Slam, but Kentucky won the day on Thursday, a welcomed victory in a week mired by weather-related cancellations and reduced operations. 

A solid turnout at the University of Kentucky – which returned to normal operations on Thursday for the first time this week – and improving conditions across the Commonwealth fueled a more typical turnout for Kentucky on day four of the 18th annual blood battle. Kentucky Blood Center registered 243 donors on Thursday, edging LifeSouth Community Blood Center’s 238 turnout.

Overall, Florida leads 882–539 heading into Friday’s finale. 

“It’s been a frustrating week because of conditions out of everyone’s control, but we’re relieved to see donors step up on Thursday,” said Mandy Brajuha, VP of external relations. “It’s a reminder that when Mother Nature doesn’t stand in their way, our donors are dedicated to the cause and passionate about this competition. We hope to keep the momentum rolling into the final day because it will make a significant impact on a low blood supply.”

Meager collections Monday through Wednesday in the aftermath of this week’s winter storm has put a strain on the blood supply. O- is in low supply, which means there is only a day’s supply at KBC to provide to more than 70 hospitals, and other types are waning at a time when KBC was hoping to stock the shelves for the second half of winter.

A big showing in the Slam finale would go a long way in shoring up lifesaving inventory for local patients for the coming weeks. Winter weather and seasonal illnesses can hinder collections, so putting blood on the shelves in advance of additional collection interruptions is critical for the supply.

All eight KBC donor centers (located in Lexington, Louisville, Corbin, Frankfort, Pikeville and Somerset) will be open on Friday (see hours of operation below), and KBC will be back on UK’s campus at the Gatton Student Center and Lewis Honors College for the second day in a row. Rockcastle Regional Hospital will also host a drive open to the public. Donors can schedule an appointment at any of those locations by visiting bit.ly/BigBlueSlam2026 or by calling 800.775.2522. As a thank you for their generosity, donors will receive a Big Blue Slam T-shirt.

Donations at KBC benefit local patients in need of blood products for a wide range of treatments and needs, including traumas, cancers, diseases, surgeries, organ transplants and more. KBC is the exclusive blood provider for UK HealthCare, Baptist Health, CHI Saint Joseph, Appalachian Regional Healthcare and 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.