The Department of Health (ODH) fulfills its mission through collaborative relationships in the public and private sectors, including with Ohio's 118 local health jurisdictions, each of which is governed by a Health Commissioner and a locally-appointed Board of Health. ODH's strategic agenda is informed by a State Health Assessment and a State Health Improvement Plan to address key health issues identified in the assessment.

As a leader in public health, ODH recently became one of only 11 state health departments and the District of Columbia to achieve national accreditation through the Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB). .