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Fort Yates, N.D. (AP) Officials of the Standing Rock Sioux tribe say they are appealing the denial of a $1.5 million suicide prevention grant that would help keep five workers on the job in communities along the North Dakota-South Dakota border.

The grant from the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration had been approved for the tribe for the past three years.

Standing Rock Chairman Ron His Horse Is Thunder said the tribe's application this year was not ranked high enough to continue the money. He says he will challenge the decision.

His Horse Is Thunder said at least 20 clients have been served with the grant through transportation programs that get them to counseling or other medical help. The money also helps grieving families of suicide victims.

Officials of the grant program said they could not comment on specific requests.

Information from: Bismarck Tribune, http://www.bismarcktribune.com (Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 09-30-09 0519CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list