ST. JOSEPH — Michigan Blood needs blood and “Wild” Bill Lewis of 97-5 Y-Country is willing to get it — even if it means sitting on a billboard all day.

On Tuesday, June 14, Lewis will climb up onto a Michigan Blood billboard on Niles Avenue in St. Joseph at 6 a.m. and won’t come down until 97 of his listeners sign up to donate blood.

“This means a lot to me personally because together the listeners and I can make a huge impact on our community. Just think, every time blood is donated with Michigan Blood, we’re helping to save lives,” said Lewis.

“Michigan Blood has never done anything like this before,” said Nick Wasmiller, public relations manager at Michigan Blood. “This event comes at the perfect time. It’s World Blood Donor Day and the summer is the most difficult time for us to connect with donors.”

“Wild” Bill’s listeners will be asked to donate blood at the main Michigan Blood donor center, 2710 Cleveland Ave., St. Joseph.

The center will be open on June 14 and 15 from noon until 7 p.m. for blood donations.

To make an appointment and get “Wild” Bill off Michigan Blood’s billboard, call (616) 233-8509.

Any healthy person who is at least 17 years of age and weighs at least 110 pounds may be eligible to donate blood every 56 days.

Individuals who are 16 years old can donate with parental permission.

Donors should remember to bring photo ID or two pieces of non-photo ID.

Not only will Wild Bill’s listeners help out Michigan Blood during a time when the need is great, donors also receive a free box of Girl Scout cookies thanks to a partnership between Girl Scouts of Michigan Shore to Shore and Michigan Blood.

Donors also receive a coupon for a free personal pan pizza from Pizza Hut.

Founded in 1955, Michigan Blood is an independent, non-profit, community service organization that is the provider of choice for blood and blood products for hospitals across Michigan’s Lower Peninsula.

Michigan Blood is committed to serving the needs of Michigan hospital facilities first.

In addition to its blood donation program, Michigan Blood offers a number of different services, including a cord blood bank, marrow/stem cell program, transfusion medicine consultation, transplant center support and other programs. For more information, visit www.miblood.org.