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Bismarck, N.D. (AP) North Dakota legislators have approved a $1.5 million donation to the University of North Dakota's medical school.

The money is coming from Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota.

It will help pay for a high-tech mannequin that can be used to train doctors and first-aid workers.

The medical school plans to build a small addition to its clinical education center. It will house the training dummy and equipment that's used to operate it.

Blue Cross Blue Shield is providing the money in $300,000 increments over five years.

The Legislature's interim Budget Section voted Wednesday to allow the donation. The section is a committee of legislators that oversees North Dakota's budget.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 06-18-08 1609CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list