(AP Photo/Fox Searchlight Pictures)

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) -- The Tennessee Dept. of Health has awarded over three million dollars to help fund abstinence education programs in the state. Nearly one million dollars will be divided between four East Tennessee agencies.

"The State of Tennessee is committed to promoting positive youth development and preventing the negative physical, emotional and financial outcomes that may be associated with early initiation of sexual activity such as pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases,” Maternal and Child Health Director Michael D. Warren, MD, MPH, FAAP, said.

The awards cover a three-year term. The Boys and Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley in Knoxville will get $210,300, while the Monroe Area chapter in Madisonville will receive $300,000. Douglas-Cherokee Economic Authority, Inc., in Morristown will also get $300,000 and the Full Circle Women's Services in Athens is slated to receive $154,200.

Each grantee is required to match 75% of the funding it receives.