ATLANTA (AP) — Emory University has won a $10.7 million federal grant to help build a network to support intensive care units at hospitals in North Georgia.

The Center for Critical Care private Atlanta university will use the money from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to provide specialty training for nurse practitioners and physician assistants in rural and underserved areas. The center will work with Saint Joseph's Health System, Northeast Georgia Health System and Southern Regional Medical Center to provide telemedicine services and training.

The program is expected to save more than $18 million over three years.

The grant is part of a national effort by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to reduce health spending by $254 million in the next three years.