VERMILLION, S.D. (AP) — The University of South Dakota is getting federal telecommunications grant money to connect facilities in Vermillion, Pierre, Rapid City, and Sioux Falls with 24 rural hospitals and clinics, including one on the Lake Traverse Indian Reservation.

The Vermillion-based school is getting about half a million dollars through the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Distance Learning and Telemedicine program.

USDA Rural Development Acting State Director Bruce Jones says the DLT program aims to bring medical and educational opportunities to rural areas.

USD spokeswoman Cheryl Tiahrt says the money will enable the university to build a telehealth video network linking school resources and educators with health care professionals and students across the state.

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