Not any grimmer than the thread subject.
You're spot on about the blood drives.... just a feel good program But, it might have been a big help to the donors, feeling they could do something, anything, when they were feeling helpless. What is needed is a steady supply of donors.
Can't they separate out the plasma to keep longer than fresh blood? Considering the blood is donated, and the hospital charges the patient a fortune, who's making the profit, the Red Cross or the hospital? Or is that for postage and handling?