Melvin Muhammad, a Tarboro resident and town councilman, has joined the staff of Carolina Family Health Centers and Ryan White team.

Muhammad will lead a grassroots outreach initiative focusing on HIV/AIDS awareness and education.

Carolina Family Health Centers Inc. was recently awarded a grant from the National AIDS Fund, working in collaboration with the Ford Foundation and the Elton John AIDS Foundation.

The $57,286 grant was awarded based on Carolina Family Health Center’s commitment to education and early intervention in the fight against this disease.

Carolina Family has distinguished itself since 2000 as a recipient of grant funds from the nationally recognized Ryan White Care Act, administering funds for persons living with HIV and AIDS.

Through the Ryan White program, the centers treat numerous patients from varying economic backgrounds and promote HIV testing, education and treatment.

"Muhammad brings a wealth of experience and know-how," a new release stated.

Muhammad, 40, will work out of the Health Centers three offices in Wilson, Edgecombe and Nash counties.

"I will be doing education and presentation," Muhammad said. "I will test people, also."

Muhammad will be using a new test that requires only an oral swab of the mouth. The Oral Quick Test has results in 20 minutes, he said.

Muhammad is available to speak to community groups upon request. He can be reached by telephone at 252-544-3663 or by electronic mail at MMuhammad@cfhc.biz

Carolina Family Health Centers operates three Community Health Centers in Wilson, Nash and Edgecombe counties. Wilson Community Health Center is located at the intersection of Douglas and Green streets in downtown Wilson.

Harvest Family Health Center is on N.C. 58 in Nash County near the Sandy Cross community.

Freedom Hill Community Health Center is on N.C. 33 near its intersection with U.S. 64 in Princeville

All three centers offer full service medical and dental care and discount pharmacy services for center patients.