Disabilities affect some 30% of women over the age of 40, according to the Centers for Disease Control, and this week, Montana women are speaking up to help those millions of women overcome obstacles in order to get essential health screenings.

The Great Falls History Museum is currently setting up an exhibit called "Every Woman Matters." It's made up of portraits of Montana women living with disabilities, many of them breast cancer survivors.

Some will be featured guests at this week's opening reception, and they will stress the importance of getting mammograms and tips for making the screenings easier.

Shyla Patera, North Central Independent Living Services Specialist, said, "The screening rates are lower for women who identify as women with disabilities."

Melodie Bowen, Every Woman Matters spokeswoman, noted, "Every woman matters - not just the ones who can make it to the mammography center."

The opening reception is in conjunction with the First Friday Art Walk this week, and will be held from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the History Museum located at 422 2nd Street South. The event is open to the general public and will the exhibit will be on display through early January.