It is responsible for protecting health and well-being for all Arkansans.

ADH is a unified health department, with a central office coordinating among 94 local health units.

The ADH is a cabinet level agency in the executive branch of government responsible for implementation of the rules and regulations promulgated by the Arkansas State Board of Health.

The Board of Health nominates the Director of ADH.

In Arkansas's shared services model of state government, the cabinet-level agencies assist boards and commissions who have an overlapping scope.