LEXINGTON, KY – Kentucky donors have done it again!
In one of the closest competitions in the event’s 38-year history, Kentucky Blood Center pulled away from Tennessee’s MEDIC Regional Blood Center on Friday to win the 2025 Big Blue Crush. Kentucky prevailed with 2,143 donors over the five-day competition, edging Tennessee’s 2,018.
KBC, with the help of its loyal donors, has won the annual blood battle to collect the most blood for the fourth consecutive year and the 14th time in the last 16. Kentucky now leads the Volunteers 23-14-1 overall.
Most importantly, local patients who will require blood in the coming days and weeks will have the lifesaving products they need. Using the spirit of friendly competition, Big Blue Crush was created in 1988 to motivate donors to stock the shelves for Thanksgiving week knowing that donations dip during the holiday.
“This was one of the more thrilling editions of Big Blue Crush we’ve had,” said Mandy Brajuha, VP or external relations. “Just when it looked like Tennessee might take control of this year’s competition, our donors proved their power and passion for Kentucky and its local patients. We are so grateful to everyone who participated this week to give the blood supply a much-needed boost. Thank you!”
The back-and-forth battle this year saw Tennessee take hold of the lead on Tuesday and into Wednesday, but Kentucky donors seized the lead Thursday and closed the door on a comeback attempt on Friday with 408 donors.
Donors who were unable to give for Big Blue Crush are encouraged to give next week to keep the blood supply healthy for the holiday. Donors can schedule an appointment at any one of KBC’s eight donor centers or daily mobile blood drives by visiting kybloodcenter.org or by calling 800.775.2522.
KBC donor centers will be open Monday and Tuesday under normal hours during Thanksgiving week. Donor centers will be open Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., closed Thursday for the Thanksgiving holiday and re-open Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at most locations.
Donations at KBC supply more than 70 hospitals in Kentucky, including UK HealthCare, Baptist Health, CHI Saint Joseph, Appalachian Regional Healthcare and more.
