The Department for Public Health's (DPH) mission is to improve the health and safety of all people in Kentucky through Prevention, Promotion and Protection. DPH is responsible for carrying out the core public health functions of:

Pursuant to KRS 211.025 and 211.180, DPH, with its seven divisions, enforces public health laws and regulations, assists local boards of health and health departments, and acts to protect and improve health. It does so by formulating, promoting, establishing, and executing policies, plans, and programs “relating to all matters of public health”, partnering with 61 local health departments (LHDs) covering 120 counties as well as other local, state and federal agencies.

The department's focus is improving the health status of the population. Due in part to public health efforts, fewer Kentuckians smoke, a greater number of colon cancers are prevented, teen pregnancy rates are down, and deaths from cardiovascular disease are decreasing.

The department strives to protect and improve the health and quality of life of each of over 4.4 million Kentuckians every day by administering approximately 150 distinct programs and services, which are as varied as immunizations, newborn screening, women's cancer prevention, radon control and the regulation of tattoo parlors. A sizable part of the state's economy is regulated by the actions of the department including the operation of food retail services, food manufacturing, radiation health services, hotels and pools. In fiscal year 2023, the public health system in Kentucky provided clinical services to an average of about 300,000 unduplicated patients. Many public health services are unavailable from any other source or are unattainable from another source at low or no cost.

The department relies on LHDs to carry out many public health activities required by statute, regulation, or participation in federal grant awards. Federal monies support over half of the department's yearly budget. The majority of these awards are allocated to the community level for the performance of services. LHDs may also choose to perform enhanced services based on community health needs and for which the availability of funding allows.

The department consists of seven divisions: Administration and Financial Management to include the Commissioner's Office, Women's Health, Prevention and Quality Improvement, Epidemiology and Health Planning, Maternal and Child Health, Laboratory Services, and Public Health Protection and Safety.

A healthy population can help create a more robust workforce and contribute to driving down societal costs for healthcare. Kentucky's public health system, which touches numerous lives daily with its wide array of programs and messages, is critical to protecting and improving the state's health through its myriad programs and services many of which are performed only by public health agencies.

Senate Bill 48 enacted in the 2023 regular session reorganized the Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS). Effective July 1, 2024 the Office for Children with Special Health Care Needs was reorganized to the Department for Public Health.

The Governor's budget includes additional funding in the amount of $1,394,000 in fiscal year 2027 and $2,861,600 in fiscal year 2028 to fund a 2% salary increment in fiscal year 2027 and an additional 2% in fiscal year 2028. The General Fund portion is $487,900 and $1,001,600, respectively.