Find a Blood Drive
Find a Blood Drive
The University of Tennessee fans vs. The University of Kentucky fans
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Oct. 26, 2016) — The American Red Cross is asking alumni and fans of the University of Tennessee (UT) and the University of Kentucky (UK) to roll up a sleeve to help save lives. The inaugural UT-UK Blood Challenge is a three-day blood drive competition held at Red Cross donor centers in Middle Tennessee and Western Kentucky, leading up to the UT – UK football game.
It’s the Tennessee Volunteers vs. the Kentucky Wildcats and this year’s winner will take home major bragging rights. Alumni and fans can participate by presenting to give blood in honor of their favorite team at participating blood donation centers Nov. 9 - 11. All presenting donors will have an opportunity to cast a vote for their favorite team on the blood drive sign-in sheet. The team with the most presenting donors wins.
“I loved participating in the Orange and Blue Blood Drive while I was a student at UTK,” said Jessica Bradberry, president of the Nashville Region University of Tennessee Knoxville Alumni Chapter. “It’s a great way to give back to the community. I’m excited that we can continue that tradition here in Middle Tennessee and I look forward to giving blood to show that I do bleed Orange!”
Every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood. Blood donated at this blood drive could help many patients in need, including accident victims, premature infants, cancer patients and those undergoing surgery.
“This challenge is a great opportunity to show school pride and help hospital patients in need,” said Mario Sedlock, director of donor recruitment for the Tennessee Valley Blood Services Region. “Patients count on the generosity of volunteers and we thank the UT and UK fans for supporting our lifesaving mission.”
All eligible donors are needed. Fans can participate by presenting to give blood at the following Red Cross Blood Donation Centers:
UT-UK Blood Challenge:
Nashville Blood Donation Center
Wednesday, Nov. 9 and Thursday, Nov.10
9:15 a.m. to 6:15 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 11
7:15 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.
2201 Charlotte Ave.
Nashville, TN 37203
Murfreesboro Blood Donation Center
Thursday, Nov.10
9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 11
7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
501 Memorial Blvd.
Murfreesboro, TN 37129
Paducah Blood Donation Center
Thursday, Nov. 10
11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 11
8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
4635 Falconcrest Drive
Paducah, KY 42001
How to donate blood
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.
Blood donors can now save time at their next donation by using RapidPass to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, prior to arriving at the blood drive. To get started and learn more, visit redcrossblood.org/RapidPass and follow the instructions on the site.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.