Public Health Representatives
A County Health Officer, nominated by the County Judge and appointed by the State Board of Health, serves in each of Arkansas’ 75 counties. The County Health Officer serves as a key public health representative in the local community, promoting the use of local health unit services, advocating for public health policy initiatives with local and state policy makers, and providing assistance to local public health education and promotion initiatives.
The County Health Officer also aids and assists the State Board of Health and collaborates with the State Health Officer and the Department of Health in county emergency preparedness response and planning including implementing orders of the State Health Officer if isolation, quarantine, or emergency legal measures are required.
The County Health Officer participates in the development and review of local emergency plans and serves as a local spokesperson to the media, general public, and medical community in the event of a public health emergency.
