Just 10 Donors Separate the Friendly Rivals After the First Day of the Blood Battle
LEXINGTON, Ky. – Kentucky fans have staked the early advantage in the 38th annual Big Blue Crush by the slimmest of margins. Just 10 donors separate Kentucky Blood Cener and Tennessee’s MEDIC Regional Blood Center in the yearly push to boost the Thanksgiving blood supply.
On Monday, 412 donors rolled up their sleeves for the Kentucky side. Tennessee registered 402. In a five-day competition that has historically come down to the wire, the battle to collect the most blood is just getting started.
“We hope this is a sign of good things to come,” said Mandy Brajuha, vice president for external relations at KBC. “We came into this week with a low blood supply, so today’s big showing is a great start, but we have a long way to go to strengthen our local supply and stock the shelves for the holiday. Let’s keep the positive momentum rolling into Tuesday.”
Stocking the shelves with a healthy supply for the Thanksgiving holiday is at the heart of the friendly rivalry. Donations historically dwindle next week because of the Thanksgiving closure and holiday-related travel. Big Blue Crush, started in 1988, was created to counter the expected losses and beyond with a proactive push from two passionate fan bases.
Tennessee typically posts larger numbers later in the week, so Kentucky donors can ill afford to rest on Monday’s lead if they hope to extend their winning streak. Riding a three-year winning streak, KBC leads Big Blue Crush 22-14-1 overall.
All KBC donor centers will be open Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mobile drives open to the public will be available in Madison, Wayne and Mercer counties in addition to the five-day drive on campus at the University of Kentucky. To view available drives throughout the week or to schedule an appointment, donors can visit bit.ly/KBC_BigBlueCrush2025 or call 800.775.2522. Appointments are highly encouraged during Big Blue Crush. Walk-ins will be accepted as space allows.
All donors will receive a long-sleeve Big Blue Crush T-shirt as a thank you for participating this week.
Donations this week and throughout the year support local patients at more than 70 hospitals in Kentucky. KBC relies on the generosity of donors to provide blood to 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.
