LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- University of Kentucky fans are encouraged to donate blood next week as part of an annual competition against Tennessee fans.

Kentucky Blood Center's annual Big Blue Crush goes from Nov. 18-22 in an effort to ensure a healthy blood supply for the Thanksgiving holiday. The 37th annual competition pits Kentucky Blood Center against MEDIC Regional Blood Center in Knoxville.

"We always look forward to this event, but we really need a big turnout this year after a slow fall donation season," Mandy Brajuha, vice president of external relations at KBC, said in a news release. "In many ways, this competition is just like the football game that we gear this annual event around: It’s going to take a team effort from all of Big Blue Nation for four quarters – in this case, five days – to secure a victory and give the blood supply a much-needed boost."

Kentucky Blood Center has won four of the last five blood donation competitions. Kentucky leads the overall series against Tennessee 21-14-1. 

KBC supplies blood for 70 hospitals in Kentuckiana, including the entire Baptist Health system. Kentucky Blood Center is the exclusive blood provider for UK HealthCare, Baptist Health, CHI Saint Joseph, Appalachian Regional Healthcare and more, according to a news release.

People can donor blood at one of eight donor centers or mobile drives. To find a mobile drive, click here. 

Donors who give blood during the competition will receive a Big Blue Crush long-sleeve shirt and a chance to win two tickets to the Kentucky - Louisville football game at Kroger Field on Nov. 30. Anyone who visits one of Kentucky Blood Center's eight donor centers will also receive a coupon for a free pint of Blue Bell ice cream.

To schedule an appointment to give blood at a KBC location, click here. Donors can also call the KBC at 800-775-2522.

KBC donor centers in Louisville:

  • Middletown Donor Center: 14002 Shelbyville Road, Louisville
  • Hillview Donor Center: 5406 Antle Drive, Louisville

Other KBC donor centers:

  • Beaumont Donor Center: 3121 Beaumont Centre Circle, Lexington
  • Andover Donor Center: 3130 Maple Leaf Drive, Lexington
  • Pikeville Donor Center: 472 South Mayo Trail, Pikeville
  • Somerset Donor Center: 10 Stonegate Centre (Stoplight 16A), Somerset 
  • Tri-County Donor Center: 1454 West Cumberland Gap Parkway, Corbin
  • Frankfort Donor Center: 363 Versailles Road, Frankfort

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