Blood Bank of Delmarva opens Tanger Outlet location

Looking to address a significant shortage in supply, the Blood Bank of Delmarva recently opened a pop-up donation center in Tanger Outlet Seaside, just north of Rehoboth Beach.

The blood bank opened its doors at the Tanger location May 3, with a full day of appointments booked.

According to an April 26 press release announcing the emergency shortage, BBD currently has a 3.7-day supply of blood available for distribution, which is well below the 7-day supply typically needed by area hospitals. The region’s healthcare system requires 350 to 380 people to donate each day to have enough blood on hand to treat patients. Donors with type O and type A blood are especially needed, as BBD currently has a 0.7-day supply of O positive, 1.9-day supply of O negative and a 4.2-day supply of A positive blood.

While the Tanger site is still technically considered a mobile unit, Tony Prado, Blood Bank of Delmarva spokesman, said one of the benefits of that location is that it allows the organization to keep equipment set up between uses. He said the plan is to have hours at the outlet location through the summer into October.

Rehoboth’s Allan Stephens was among the first people to donate at the Tanger location. He said he and his wife have been donating blood for years. He estimated he’s donated roughly 20 gallons of blood over that time.

“One pint at a time,” said Stephens, proudly and matter-of-factly. “I do it because it’s needed.”

The blood bank’s phlebotomists were all pleased with the setup of the new Rehoboth location.

Samantha Doss said she’s been with the blood bank for two-and-a-half years, some of it spent with the mobile unit. She described the new setup as cool, while she was monitoring Rehoboth’s Bill Gorski as he did a double red cell donation.

“You could even go shopping during your lunch break,” said Gorski.

“I was planning on doing just that,” said Doss, who had a mask on, but was definitely smiling.

Prado said hours and days for the outlet location, 36470 Seaside Outlet Drive, Suite 1630, will be varied. However, he said, it will be open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday, May 10; 1 to 6 p.m., Thursday, May 13; and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Friday, May 14. Prado said checking delmarvablood.org or calling 1-888-8-BLOOD-8 are the best ways to check the hours of operation any given week.

In addition to the Tanger Outlet location, Blood Bank of Delmarva recently opened a second location in Dagsboro at 32442 Royal Blvd. That site is open Tuesday through Saturday. Hours vary depending on the day.

For more information on both locations or to sign up for an appointment, call 1-888-8-BLOOD-8 or go to delmarvablood.org.