Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., announced Friday that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has released $143,449 for Youth and Family Services of Rapid City for their Health Connections program for high-risk girls.

Thune said he requested the funding as part of the Fiscal Year 2008 Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Bill.

"Youth and Family Services, Inc., provides important health and education opportunities to high-risk youth and families in need across western South Dakota," Thune said. "This funding will allow them to continue their mission and help connect girls ages 5-15 with important, quality health care providers and services in the community."

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.