Lexington, Kentucky, November 18, 2025
Running from November 17 to 21, the 38th annual Big Blue Crush blood drive is underway at Kentucky Blood Center locations. This friendly competition with Tennessee’s MEDIC aims to boost blood donations before the Thanksgiving holiday. Donors at KBC centers and mobile drives will receive limited-edition shirts and other incentives, especially at University of Kentucky locations. The event emphasizes the critical need for blood supplies during the holiday season as donations typically decline.
Lexington, Kentucky – Big Blue Crush Blood Drive Underway
The 38th annual Big Blue Crush blood drive is currently underway, running from November 17 to November 21, 2025, at all Kentucky Blood Center (KBC) locations. This annual event pits KBC against Tennessee’s MEDIC Regional Blood Center in a friendly competition to boost the blood supply ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday.
Event Details
Donors can participate at any of KBC’s eight donor centers or mobile drives throughout the week. Most donor centers are open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. during Big Blue Crush. Mobile drives are also scheduled at various locations, including the University of Kentucky campus. All donors will receive a limited-edition long-sleeve shirt as a thank-you for their contribution.
University of Kentucky Campus Drives
For University of Kentucky students, faculty, and staff, donation opportunities are available at three campus locations:
- Gatton Student Center (Ballroom A):
- Monday, Nov. 17: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
- Tuesday, Nov. 18: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
- Thursday, Nov. 20: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
- Friday, Nov. 21: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
- William T. Young Library (KBC Bloodmobile):
- Monday, Nov. 17: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
- Wednesday, Nov. 19: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
- Lewis Honors College (Scholars Student Lounge):
- Wednesday, Nov. 19: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
- Thursday, Nov. 20: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
- Friday, Nov. 21: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Donors at these campus locations will receive a limited-edition long-sleeve shirt, a coupon for a free entrée at Qdoba, and a $5 Starbucks gift card.
Importance of the Drive
The Big Blue Crush blood drive is crucial for ensuring an adequate blood supply during the holiday season, a time when donations typically decrease, and the need for blood increases. Kentucky leads the competition with a record of 22 wins, 14 losses, and 1 tie. The event not only supports local hospitals but also fosters community spirit among Kentucky fans.
Donor Eligibility
Blood donors must be at least 17 years old (16 with parental consent), weigh at least 110 pounds, be in general good health, and show a photo I.D. Appointments are preferred but walk-ins are welcome. To schedule a donation or find other donation locations, visit the Kentucky Blood Center website or call 800.775.2522.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Big Blue Crush blood drive?
The Big Blue Crush is an annual blood drive competition between the Kentucky Blood Center (KBC) and Tennessee’s MEDIC Regional Blood Center. It aims to boost the blood supply ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday. This year’s event runs from November 17 to November 21, 2025, at all KBC locations.
Where can I donate blood during the Big Blue Crush?
Donors can participate at any of KBC’s eight donor centers or mobile drives throughout the week. Most donor centers are open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. during Big Blue Crush. Mobile drives are also scheduled at various locations, including the University of Kentucky campus.
What incentives are offered to donors?
All donors will receive a limited-edition long-sleeve shirt as a thank-you for their contribution. Additionally, donors at University of Kentucky campus locations will receive a coupon for a free entrée at Qdoba and a $5 Starbucks gift card.
How can I schedule a donation?
Appointments are preferred but walk-ins are welcome. To schedule a donation or find other donation locations, visit the Kentucky Blood Center website or call 800.775.2522.
What are the eligibility requirements for donating blood?
Blood donors must be at least 17 years old (16 with parental consent), weigh at least 110 pounds, be in general good health, and show a photo I.D.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Dates | November 17–21, 2025 |
| Participating Organizations | Kentucky Blood Center (KBC) and MEDIC Regional Blood Center |
| Purpose | Boost blood supply ahead of Thanksgiving holiday |
| Donor Centers | Eight KBC locations and various mobile drives |
| Operating Hours | Most donor centers open 9 a.m.–6 p.m. during Big Blue Crush |
| Donor Incentives | Limited-edition long-sleeve shirt; additional perks at University of Kentucky campus locations |
| Eligibility Requirements | At least 17 years old (16 with parental consent), weigh at least 110 pounds, in general good health, and show a photo I.D. |
| Appointment Scheduling | Preferred but walk-ins welcome; schedule at Kentucky Blood Center website or call 800.775.2522 |
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