Big Blue Crush Still Saving Lives After 30 Years
LEXINGTON, Ky. – This year marks the 30th time that Kentucky and Tennessee fans have competed to see who can donate the most blood for the holidays. The annual Big Blue Crush is Nov. 13-17.
“Big Blue Crush is a fun week for donors and our staff, but it’s mostly about Kentucky patients. It’s our biggest blood donation week of the year and supports the healthcare of Kentucky during the holidays, a time when blood donations typically take a dip nationally,” said Martha Osborne, the blood center’s Vice President of Marketing. “Of course, we also like to beat Tennessee.”
Anyone who registers to give blood with Kentucky Blood Center during Big Blue Crush week will receive a long-sleeve black T-shirt and a chance to win tickets the Kentucky-Louisville football game on Nov. 25. In addition, to help celebrate the 30th anniversary, Monday and Tuesday donors will be automatically entered to win one of 30 $30 Amazon gift cards.
Kentucky Blood Center (KBC) leads this blood collection competition against Medic Regional Blood Center in Knoxville 16-12 with 1 tie. KBC has won the past seven years.
KBC donor centers are listed below. They will all be open special Crush hours that week, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Crush the Vols and Save Lives
Beaumont Donor Center
Phone: 859.276.2534
Hours:
Monday-Friday: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Schedule an appointment or call 800.775.2522
Andover Donor Center
Phone: 859.327.3223
Hours:
Monday-Friday: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Schedule an appointment or call 800.775.2522
Middletown Donor Center
Phone: 502.290.0537
Hours:
Tuesday-Friday: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Schedule an appointment or call 800.775.2522
Pikeville Donor Center
Phone: 606.432.4979
Hours:
Monday-Friday: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Schedule an appointment or call 800.775.2522
Somerset Donor Center
Phone: 606.679.7413
Hours:
Monday-Friday: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Schedule an appointment or call 800.775.2522
To find Big Blue Crush mobile blood drives or for donation information, visit kybloodcenter.org or call 800.775-2522, ext. 3758.
Blood donors must be at least 17 yearsold (16 with parental consent), weigh at least 110 pounds and be in general good health. Donors must also show a photo I.D. with first and last name, like a state-issued driver’s license. Sixteen-year-old donors must have a signed parental permission slip, which can be found at kybloodcenter.org.