Cascade Regional Blood Services has a new draw to get people to donate blood: Beer.

“We want to make it fun for people to donate,” said Eileen Spallino, donor resource consultant.

The donation center is bringing its “Give Blood, Get Beer” program to Federal Way next week.

Volunteers who give blood at either the Scoreboard Pub or Jimmy Mac’s will receive a coupon for a free beer.

The program is in its second year in Tacoma and so far has been successful. CRBS hopes to mirror that success in Federal Way.

On Jan. 15, the Blood Mobile will be at the Scoreboard Pub, 1200 S. 324th St., from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

On Jan. 22, mobile will be at the Jimmy Mac’s parking lot, 34902 Pacific Highway S., from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

After donating blood, volunteers will be given a coupon, good for the next day (or thereafter) for a free beer. You can’t use the free beer coupon the same day.

In Tacoma, the program already has a following, with participants who donate every two months. Here in Federal Way, for the first round, organizers are hoping to get around a dozen volunteers to participate.

In addition to the free beer, donors will also get a T-shirt.

To prepare for giving blood, Spallino recommends eating a hearty meal beforehand and to be hydrated. For those who have low iron levels, there are a list of foods to eat beforehand to help counteract that, including red meats. Visit www.crbs.net to learn more.

Those ages 16-17 need parental permission, and donors over 76 years old must have a doctor note.

“It’s difficult to get people to donate,” Spallino said. “Only 37 percent of the population is even eligible to donate. We’re trying really hard to get the word out.”

CRBS provides blood throughout the south King County and Pierce counties. They are sole provider for the Franciscan Health System, including St. Francis Hospital in Federal Way. They also provide blood to MultiCare and to the military.

CRBS recently moved its Federal Way location to 909 S 336th St., suite B-102.