FAIRBANKS -- The University of Alaska Fairbanks has received $1.4 million for suicide and substance abuse prevention efforts in rural Yup'ik Eskimo communities in Southwestern Alaska.

The money was for the Center for Alaska Native Health Research program exploring how Alaska Natives are using cultural traditions and ancestral knowledge to promote well-being.

KTUU-TV said the funding also will go toward additional hirings of rural project staff and developing a training center to take the project to other communities.

The Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corp. received the funding from the state and passed the money to UAF for the three-year project.