An emergency appeal has gone out from Delta Blood Bank for blood and platelet donations. “Right now, blood donations are being distributed to hospitals faster than donations are coming in,” said Gail McGovern, President and CEO of American Red Cross. Blood donations through the Delta Blood Bank/American Red Cross have fallen short of hospital needs for the past few months, resulting in about 39,000 fewer donations nationwide than what’s needed, as well as a significant draw-down of the overall blood supply nationally and locally.