REHOBOTH BEACH, Del. – The first time Emily Panchak ever donated blood occurred when she was 25 years old on March 16, 2022 at Tanger Outlets, where Blood Bank of Delmarva (BBD) occupied a storefront for a year and a half.
BBD’s Tanger location would close later that year, unfortunately, but Panchak, of Rehoboth Beach, continued to donate at Lewes Senior Center. She averages a stellar, two donations per year.
On Tuesday, October 8, she was thrilled to come back to Tanger Outlets to donate blood for the sixth time in her young life. Like other local residents, Panchak could not help but notice the Blood Donation Pod sitting in Tanger Outlets just off Delaware Route 1, near Seaside Outlet Drive.
Panchak, 27, said her mother inspired her to donate as a regular donor who faithfully reads BBD’s Lifeline donor newsletter! Plus, her father passed away from leukemia in 2014, teaching her the importance of constant, regular blood donations.
“I just feel like it’s important to donate blood,” Panchak said. “I drove by and said, look at that little Pod! Oh, that’s super close. I live right down the street.”
BBD launched this new blood donation experience with the introduction of its state-of-the-art Pod. The portable and sustainable Pod is designed to provide a more comfortable, efficient, and convenient donation experience. It is equipped with comfortable donor beds, a climate-controlled environment, and entertainment options, including access to streaming services and music to keep donors entertained throughout their donation process. Donors have the option of donating whole blood or double red cells.
Recognizing that the average person is willing to travel only 10 minutes or 10 miles to donate blood, BBD is prioritizing convenience and bringing lifesaving opportunities to every corner of the tri-state area. Given the limited number of donor centers – only six in the region – the portable Pod serves as a convenient, mobile donor center, making it easier for communities far from established centers to participate in this lifesaving mission. Cities, towns, and organizations can host a Pod in their communities, providing flexible access to blood donation.
“We’re thrilled to introduce this new and innovative portable donor center and improved donor experience to blood donors in Delaware,” said Steve Corse, Executive Director at Blood Bank of Delmarva. “Our goal is to make blood donation as comfortable and convenient as possible, and we believe the Pod will help us attract new blood donors and ultimately save more lives.”
Tanger Outlets is partnering with BBD for the official launch of the Blood Donation Pod by hosting a Pod at their Rehoboth, DE through Oct. 24, 2024. BBD is actively seeking additional organizations throughout our communities to host a Pod. To make an appointment at the upcoming Tanger Outlets pod locations, or to learn more about hosting a Pod with your organization, visit delmarvablood.org/pod.
