NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Women in middle Tennessee and around the nation are getting a big boost to help them stay healthier.

On Monday, Sen. Thelma Harper presented a $175,000 check to Meharry Medical College on behalf of the Congressional Black Caucus. The money will help pay for free digital mammograms for 600 women.

Dr. Valerie Montgomery Rice said the digital screenings are much better at spotting small problems earlier.

The donation also helps further a breast cancer research database that Rice said will be part of a national effort.

The National Cancer Institute and the Susan G. Komen Foundation will soon be able to access the database for their research as well.

For more information, click here.