The ADH has a Continuity of Operations Plan that was updated in February 2020 and is reviewed annually. The following is the executive summary of the plan:

The Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) is designed to ensure continuity of operations during catastrophic events or disruption of normal departmental functions. The COOP is meant to be detailed and clear in its presentation and uncomplicated in its execution. The primary goal of the COOP is to prevent any major disruption of normal activities. The second goal is to mitigate damages that may occur. The third goal is to rapidly restore critical services following a disruption of operations. The fourth goal is to guide recovery from the disruption and resume normal operations rapidly and efficiently.

The mission of the ADH is to protect and improve the health and well-being of all Arkansans. Immediate response efforts will focus on the identified essential functions of this mission. The ADH Central Office and each field operation have identified the processes, material and staff resources, logistical considerations, and time required to resume each essential function at the local level within 12 hours of COOP activation. These essential functions, considered vital to public health and safety, may be sustained for up to 30 days as normal operations are restored. Support functions such as information technology, human resources, and finance that enhance the ADH's essential functions and overall viability are given priority consideration. These support functions are crucial in the planning and execution of the ADH COOP. The critical support functions and roles are detailed in the Responsibilities and Procedures section. Essential functions and resource requirements have been identified and will include:

• Staffing requirements
• Material resource requirements (equipment and supplies)
• Critical data and data systems
• Support activities

The state emergency plan outlines the actions to take to provide essential services to the public, including using an alternate facility or using temporary workers. The center director was actively involved in emergency response planning and development. The Title V director is included in Arkansas’s preparedness planning, however, is not part of the incident management structure. The COVID-19 emergency response is ongoing, and the agency will assess the lessons learned and identify critical gaps that will inform any need for response changes or program needs during an emergency. ADH can adequately assess and respond to emergencies, as evidenced by the rapid mobilization of staff to cover COVID-19 duties and to make sure women and children received essential services. Title V leadership and program staff were consulted to determine the impact to services and program continuity. Their consultation included input regarding delivery of program services, including safety precautions and use of PPE, identification of essential staff, communication plans to program recipients and partners, and the development of internal, program-specific contingency plans as needed. The ADH is a centralized system, so Title V and other health programs such as newborn screening, infant hearing, and WIC are included as part of the agency’s COOP. Many of the specific program administrators are also Title V leadership and program staff. This overlap allows for a seamless coordination of plans.