KBC, Kentucky Fans Will Need a Rally to Preserve Current Winning Streak
LEXINGTON, Ky. – Kentucky’s current three-year Big Blue Slam winning streak is in jeopardy as Florida has roared in front after three days of competition. Fueled by a 273-258 edge on Wednesday, LifeSouth Community Blood Center in Florida has totaled 788 donations to Kentucky Blood Center’s 781.
With two days left of the annual blood battle to boost the winter blood supply, the 2024 edition is shaping up to be a Friday buzzer beater.
“It’s time to rally, Big Blue Nation,” said Mandy Brajuha, VP of external relations. “We don’t like losing in Kentucky, especially in an event that’s so critical to our healthcare system. Florida has gained the momentum, especially with our current projection of Thursday and Friday appointments. We need Kentucky fans everywhere to do their part and make sure this deficit is only temporary. If we can do that, not only can we win another Big Blue Slam, we will also save a lot of lives in the process.”
Donors can participate at any of KBC eight donor center locations (Lexington, Louisville, Corbin, Frankfort, Pikeville and Somerset) or mobile drives. Donor centers are open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Friday’s finale. Thursday’s public mobile drives include the University of Kentucky Gatton Student Center in Lexington, Russell County Community in Jamestown, Madison County Richmond Community in Richmond and Morgan County Community in West Liberty.
Additional information and appointments can be found at bit.ly/KBC_BigBlueSlam24 or by calling 800.775.2522. Appointments are highly encouraged during Big Blue Slam. Walk-ins will be accepted as space allows.
All donors will be thanked with a limited-edition Big Blue Slam T-shirt and entry to win two tickets to the UK-Florida men’s basketball game on Jan. 31 in Rupp Arena.
Collecting more donations than Florida is only part of the motivation for Big Blue Slam. Created 16 years ago in the heart of the winter, the event occurs in late January every year to counter weather-related cancellations and illnesses. Kentucky has felt the effects of recent wintry weather with more than 20 drive cancellations and more than 800 donations lost over the last week and a half – a major disruption for the nonprofit that relies on daily donations to supply more than 70 hospitals in the state.
KBC is the exclusive blood provider for UK Healthcare, Baptist Health System, CHI Saint Joseph Health, Appalachian Regional Healthcare and many others.
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.
