Kentucky Storms in Front on Day 2 of Big Blue Slam Jan. 28, 2025

Just Four Donations Separate KBC and LifeSouth in the 17th Annual Blood Battle

Big Blue Slam Jan. 28 update: Kentucky 493 donations, Florida 489 donations

LEXINGTON, Ky. – There’s a lead change in the 2025 Big Blue Slam, and Kentucky Blood Center and local patients are the beneficiaries of it. 

Kentucky fans made a comeback on day two of the 17th annual blood battle with Florida fans. With 257 donations on Tuesday, KBC has a slim 493-489 advantage over LifeSouth Community Blood Center. 

Tuesday’s turnout at KBC locations was an improvement over Monday’s tipoff to the event, a trend KBC officials hope to continue with a low blood supply that needs help.  

“This back-and-forth battle is just beginning,” said Mandy Brajuha, VP for external relations at KBC. “We anticipate several momentum swings in this event, but ultimately our donors control the fate of this competition. If we can continue to improve upon these early numbers, we can keep this winning streak alive and get the blood supply in better shape for the rest of winter.”

Kentucky is on a four-year winning streak in this friendly rivalry to take a 10-6 series lead. 

At the heart of the competition is boosting the blood supply, which traditionally suffers this time of the year because of winter cancellations and illnesses. This January has been no exception with all types needed. O- and A- are currently in critical need (less than a day’s supply at KBC) because of dozens of winter-weather drive cancellations, shortened hours of operation and low donor turnout in recent weeks. 

Big Blue Slam 2025 T-shirt

KBC supplies lifesaving blood products to more than 70 hospitals – including UK HealthCare, Baptist Health, CHI Saint Joseph, Appalachian Regional Healthcare – but local lives can only be saved through the generous giving of blood from donors. Whole blood donations usually take less than an hour from registration to refreshment. 

Donors can take part in Big Blue Slam through Friday. Wednesday’s drive opportunities, which can all be found at bit.ly/BigBlueSlam2025, include all eight KBC donor centers (located in Lexington, Louisville, Corbin, Frankfort and Somerset) and public mobile drives on the University of Kentucky’s campus and in Franklin, Harlan and Leslie counties. 

All donors will receive a retro Big Blue Slam T-shirt as a thank you saving local lives. 

To schedule an appointment, donors can visit kybloodcenter.org or call 800.775.2522. Appointments are highly encouraged during Big Blue Slam. Walk-ins will be accepted as space allows. 

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. 

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About Kentucky Blood Center

KBC, the largest independent, full-service, nonprofit blood center in Kentucky, has been saving local lives since 1968. Licensed by the FDA, KBC’s sole purpose is to collect, process and distribute blood for patients in Kentucky. KBC provides services in 90 Kentucky counties and has donor centers in Lexington, Louisville, Frankfort, Pikeville, Somerset and the Tri-County area (Corbin).