[Tobra]

In Texas, there is no charge to do a directed donation, and if the blood is not used, they give it to someone else.

In California, there is a $475 fee to do a directed donation, more in certain areas. I asked about it, $500 to give you something that if my wife does not use it, you sell it to someone else for $500.

No, if it is not used, it is destroyed.

I did not realize there was such a glut of blood that it was being discarded like that.

Oh no, there is pretty much a constant shortage.

Why would you throw it away then?

Because there is a higher rate of transmissible disease in directed donations.

Someone is going to give infected blood to a family member, really? Who is your medical director, I would like to speak to them.

Dr Washington, a retired cardiologist is the name they gave me. Problem with that is Dr Washington had been dead for several years when this happened. Did a bit more research and it turns out they can't legally charge to do a directed donation and then give the blood to someone else. Rather than charge a processing fee or something, THEY THROW THE FREAKING BLOOD AWAY.

I still donate whenever I go to Texas, or if I happen to be somewhere other than California and have the time. First time I went to Texas after this happened, I went in to donate blood. They asked me why it had been so long. You were here every other month for 10 years, then nothing, what happened? They did not believe me when I told them how they do it in California. I also have a rare blood type, less than 5% have the same I think. If I recall correctly they felt it would be practically criminal to throw away.

GD Blood Source in California, profiteering on human misery. They will never get a drop of blood from me again.