CARIBOU, Maine (AP) – The federal government is providing $200,000 to help a northern Maine program connect more residents with health services.

The money is going from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to the Aroostook County Action Program. Independent Sen. Angus King and Republican Sen. Susan Collins say the Rural Health Care Services Outreach Grant is designed to help link people with local and state services.

The senators say the action program plays an important role in linking residents of far northern Maine to services. The group was founded in 1972 and helps with issues such as early childhood care, energy and housing, and community health.