Section 4E. The department of public health is hereby authorized and directed to establish a program to combat mental retardation in children suffering from a genetic effect causing phenylketonuria. The said program may be conducted in conjunction with any foundation or scientific organization, hospital or medical school or with an agency of the federal government. The department may accept for such purpose any special grant of money, services or property from the federal government or any of its agencies or from any such foundation, organization or medical school.