Kentucky retains Big Blue Crush trophy after successful blood drive, defeating Tennessee

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — The 36th annual Big Blue Crush blood drive is in the books, with Kentucky notching another win over Tennessee in the friendly competition. 

That means the Big Blue Crush trophy will remain in Kentucky. 

Kentucky donors came through, packing Kentucky Blood Center locations all week to boost the blood supply and defeat Tennessee’s MEDIC Regional Blood Center, according to a news release. 

Kentucky finished the week with 2,199 donors, edging Tennessee’s 2,067 total.

The 2,199 total was the most since 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic impacted operations and donor turnout.

“Big Blue Nation and KBC donors have done it again,” said Mandy Brajuha, VP of external relations at KBC, said in a written statement. “Thank you to everyone who played a part in the victory this week. Every donor mattered in this all-important push to stock the blood shelves before Thanksgiving holiday week.”

The recent win brings Kentucky’s record to to 21-14-1 in the friendly competition, which began in 1988 between the two community blood centers to boost the blood supply before the holiday when donations typically dip. KBC has won four of the last five events and 12 of the last 14.

Donations from KBC supply more than 70 hospitals in Kentucky. 

Anyone who was unable to donate blood for Big Blue Crush is encouraged to give next week to keep the blood supply healthy for the holiday.

Donors can schedule at any one of KBC’s eight donor centers, listed below:

Below is a list of locations:

• Middletown Donor Center, 12905 Shelbyville Road, Louisville, KY 40243
• Hillview Donor Center, 5406 Antle Drive, Louisville, KY 40299
• Frankfort Donor Center, 363 Versailles Road, Frankfort, KY 40601
• Beaumont Donor Center, 3121 Beaumont Centre Circle, Lexington, KY 40513
• Andover Donor Center, 3130 Maple Leaf Drive, Lexington, KY 40509
• Tri-County Donor Center, 1454 West Cumberland Gap Parkway, Corbin, KY 40701
• Pikeville Donor Center, 472 South Mayo Trail, Pikeville, KY 41501
• Somerset Donor Center, 10 Stonegate Centre (Stoplight 16A), Somerset, KY 42503

You can also schedule an appointment online or by calling 800.775.2522.

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