The Kentucky Blood Center (KBC) is ready for the 20th annual Big Blue Crush, scheduled Nov. 12-16.
The Big Blue Crush blood drive competition pits UK fans against University of Tennessee supporters to see who can give the most blood. Last year, Tennessee won the competition, which generated more than 5,000 units of life-saving blood. The competition is now tied – UK and Tennessee have each won nine times and tied once.
Big Blue Crush assures an adequate blood supply during the holiday season for patients at the UK Chandler Hospital and 66 other medical facilities served by the Kentucky Blood Center.
UK President Lee T. Todd Jr. encouraged university employees to give blood and urged supervisors to be flexible in scheduling those employees interested in participating in this community service.
The UK Staff Senate issued a blood donation challenge to the University Senate to see which group can register the most blood donors during Big Blue Crush.
McDonald’s is again sponsoring Big Blue Crush and is providing each donor a coupon for a free McDonald’s salad or Extra Value Meal. Donors also will receive a 20th anniversary Big Blue Crush T-shirt. In addition, each person registering to donate will be included in a daily drawing for two tickets to the UK vs. UT football game and two passes to the Big Blue Zone tailgate party prior to the game.
There are numerous opportunities to donate blood on campus during Big Blue Crush:
Monday, Nov. 12
Complex Commons – 2 to 9 p.m.
Ralph G. Anderson Building – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Tuesday, Nov. 13
Complex Commons – 2 to 9 p.m.
Wednesday, Nov. 14
Blazer Express – 3 to 8 p.m.
Fine Arts Center – Noon to 6 p.m.
ROTC Barker Hall – Noon to 5 p.m.
Thursday, Nov. 15
UK Chandler Hospital – Learning Center, basement level – 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 16
UK Chandler Hospital – Learning Center, basement level – 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Besides these Lexington areas, blood drive centers will be located in Flemingsburg, Berea, Liberty, Frankfort, Stanford, Mt. Sterling and Harlan. The donor centers in Lexington, Somerset, Pikeville and Prestonsburg are also available for donations.
Those wanting to donate blood can call 1-800-775-2522 or visit for more blood drive and donor center details.
