UK establishes slim lead in blood donation battle

Donors+recline+while+giving+blood+at+Rupp+Arena+on+Monday%2C+Jan.+22%2C+2018.+Photo+by+Taylon+Baker

Donors recline while giving blood at Rupp Arena on Monday, Jan. 22, 2018. Photo by Taylon Baker

Kernel News Desk

Kentucky donors maintain a small lead over their Florida competitors in this year’s edition of Big Blue Slam, an interstate blood donation competition that seeks to boost winter donations with friendly competition.

Kentucky currently leads Florida 892 to 856 through three days of competition, according to a blood center press release. Big Blue Slam, which began Monday and lasts until Friday, is the Kentucky Blood Center’s week-long blood drive competition against the KBC and LifeSouth Community Blood Centers in Gainesville, Florida.

“It may be warmer in Florida, but Kentucky donors warm your heart with their generosity,” said Martha Osborne, Vice President of Marketing for Kentucky Blood Center. “Now that we’ve pulled ahead, we need to keep the lead and show those Gators who has the best fans.” 

Throughout the rest of week, there will continue to be several mobile blood donation spots all over UK’s campus. According to the press release, the interstate blood drive helps to encourage blood donors when cold temperatures and flu season can slow donations. 

The series between UK and Florida is tied 5-5. Donors will receive a Big Blue Slam long-sleeve T-shirt.

Here is the remaining list of donation sites and times on UK’s campus:

Thursday

Medical Center, 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Student Center, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Johnson Center, 1 – 7 p.m.

 

Friday

Medical Center, 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

William T. Young Library, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Student Center, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.