Kentucky Donors Can Seal Victory Friday, Ensure Healthy Blood Supply for Next Week
LEXINGTON, Ky. – Snow and bitter-cold temperatures didn’t stop Kentucky fans giving blood on the penultimate day of the 2024 Big Blue Crush.
Kentucky Blood Center topped MEDIC Regional Blood Center out of Tennessee for a fourth straight day with 493 donors. MEDIC had 452 donors. Heading into Friday’s finale, Kentucky has a commanding1,954-1,691 lead in the 37th annual blood battle.
“We had been eyeing this winter system all week as a potential barrier to victory,” said Mandy Brajuha, KBC’s vice president of external relations. “We know that winter weather can hamper collections, but not so today with Big Blue Nation. Let’s leave nothing to doubt and finish strong.”
There are plenty of opportunities for donors to help KBC clinch victory. All eight KBC donor centers (Lexington, Louisville, Corbin, Frankfort, Pikeville and Somerset) will be open, and University of Kentucky students, staff, faculty and others can donate on UK’s campus at Gatton Student Center or Lewis Honors College. Other public blood drives are happening in Cumberland, Knox and Perry counties.
If Kentucky stays the course Friday, it would be KBC’s fifth win in the last six years and 13th in the last 15. Kentucky owns a 21-14-1 overall advantage.
The real victors of Big Blue Crush are the patients in Kentucky and Tennessee who will receive the lifesaving blood they need over Thanksgiving holiday week. Knowing donations dip during the holidays, Big Blue Crush was put together in 1988 to boost the blood supply and to continue to meet the consistent need.
Friday will also be the last day to pick up this year’s popular Big Blue Crush long-sleeve shirt and be entered to win two tickets to the Kentucky-Louisville football game on Nov. 30 at Kroger Field. Those who give blood at a donor center will also get a coupon for a free pint of Blue Bell ice cream (while supplies last).
To schedule an appointment, donors can visit bit.ly/BigBlueCrush2024 or call 800.775.2522. Appointments are highly recommended during Big Blue Crush, but walk-ins will be accepted as space allows.
KBC supplies more than 70 hospitals in Kentucky, including UK HealthCare, Baptist Health, CHI Saint Joseph and Appalachian Regional Healthcare.
To donate blood at KBC, 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.
