About Dr. Jeffery Gardere:
Known as "America’s Psychologist," Dr. Gardere is one of the most widely sought-after mental health experts in the U.S., appearing regularly in national media and contributing to important conversations around health, family, and community.
How Do I Learn My Status?
Ask your doctor to perform a simple blood test called hemoglobin electrophoresis, which determines whether you have sickle cell disease or carry the sickle cell trait. If you already have a provider, this is the most direct and confidential way to learn your status.
Request a Sickle Cell Screening from Your Primary Care Provider
Many community clinics—especially those serving underserved populations—offer low-cost or free testing for sickle cell. Call ahead to ask if sickle cell screening is available, or search for upcoming KYSS-affiliated screening events in your area.
Visit a Local Health Clinic or Community Health Center
Sickle cell screening is part of the standard newborn screening in all 50 U.S. states. If you're unsure of your status, request a copy of your newborn screening results from your state's department of health or your pediatric hospital.
Get Tested at Birth or Request Your Birth Records
Some certified genetic testing services can determine sickle cell status. These are typically used for family planning or health risk assessments. Be sure the service is CLIA-certified and consult with a genetic counselor or physician when interpreting results.
Ask for Genetic Testing Through a Lab or Online Service
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OUR MISSION
KYSS aims to normalize the conversation around genetic health and break generational silence through:
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Community-based screenings
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Educational toolkits for families, churches, and schools
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Media campaigns and personal stories
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Resources for navigating care and understanding results
We believe that knowledge is generational power. When you know your status, you can make informed decisions—for yourself, your children, and your community.
Whether you’re a parent, student, healthcare worker, faith leader, or advocate—you have a role to play.
Let’s change what we know so we can change what we pass on.
Knowing is Power. For You. For Your Family.
THE STATS
WHAT
1 in 13 Black Americans carries the sickle cell trait
WHO
1 in 365 Black babies is born with Sickle Cell Disease
WHAT
Most carriers of the trait have no symptoms—and no idea
Knowing is Power. For You.
For Your Family.
KYSS: Know Your Sickle Cell Status
KYSS (Know Your Sickle Cell Status) is a national awareness campaign designed to empower individuals—especially in Black communities—to take control of their health by learning their sickle cell status. Whether you carry the sickle cell trait or live with sickle cell disease, knowing your genetic status is a critical step toward protecting your health and your legacy.
WHY IT MATTERS
Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) affects more than 100,000 Americans, most of them of African descent. Despite its prevalence, many people remain unaware of whether they carry the sickle cell gene—leading to generations of undiagnosed conditions, misinformed family planning, and preventable health crises.
