The Department of Health and Environmental Control is hereby authorized to initiate a sickle cell education and prevention program based entirely upon voluntary cooperation of the individuals involved. The program shall provide:
- (a) Laboratory testing of black citizens in the reproductive ages to determine the presence of the sickle cell gene;
- (b) Counselling for persons identified as carriers of the sickle cell gene, for the purpose of preventing sickle cell anemia in the future offspring of such carriers;
- (c) Referral of persons with sickle cell anemia, as necessary, so that they may obtain proper medical care and treatment;
- (d) Basic education to the general public about sickle cell disease, so as to eradicate the stigma attached to this malady.