Our History

Supplying Hope for

Nearly 150 Years

Root Center for Advanced Recovery is a private, nonprofit, behavioral health care organization providing mental health and substance use prevention, treatment, community health services, and research. Originally established in 1871, the agency’s humble beginnings came in the form of an outpatient medical facility chartered specifically to provide medical services to the poor and indigent residing in the greater Hartford area.

In 1884, Dr. Joseph E. Root and Dr. M. Johnson offered a small back room to the organization for the use of an outpatient facility. A sign was soon added to the front of the Pearl Street office advertising the “Hartford Dispensary.” After a long and distinguished history of providing traditional medical, surgical, dental, and social services, the agency changed its focus in 1971 to the delivery of outpatient behavioral health care services.


Since that time, the agency has developed medication-assisted treatment services, substance use prevention programs, and infectious disease services. For many years, the agency has actively participated in pharmacological and behavioral research protocols. Presently, the Root Center treats more than 5,500 patients per day within its network of 14 sites across Connecticut. Over 6,800 individual persons receive services annually.

The General Assembly approves an act incorporating the Hartford Dispensary.

July 5, 1871

The Dispensary opens its doors to the general public in the Brownell building at the corner of Ann Street and Asylum Avenue. It becomes the first outpatient medical clinic in the state of Connecticut.

April 9, 1872

The Dispensary moves to Hartford Hospital, although the hospital never considered the Dispensary a department or part of its facilities.

1874

Dr. Joseph E. Root and Dr. M. Johnson discuss the need to continue to offer quality medical services to patients who can’t afford private medical care.

1884

Drs. Root and Johnson hang a sign in the front of their Pearl Street office reading “Hartford Dispensary.” During the first year of operation in one of the office’s back rooms, they treat 467 patients. They would go on to treat 516 patients in the second year and a record-breaking 1,454 patients during the first nine months of the third year.

December 8, 1884

The Hartford Sunday Gazette suggests that the churches set aside the last Sunday of each year to raise money for the Dispensary. On the first “Dispensary Sunday,” nearly $350 is raised, reflecting the strong community support that the Dispensary received.

September 1887

The Dispensary continues to grow in size and scope until it becomes one of Hartford’s most important community resources.

Early 1900s

Dr. F. Heublein supplies the Dispensary with its first X-ray machine.

1919

The Dispensary is recognized by The Community Chest for its outstanding work with patients. In step with a city-wide movement in 1927, the Dispensary’s Social Services Department integrates and coordinates its activities with private and public health agencies.

1920s

The Dispensary’s facilities are again renovated and expanded, allowing the organization to house more diagnostic services and employ additional staff. During the war emergency, the Dispensary serves an important function as a center for draft board exams. The organization also receives a commendation from President Truman for the valuable role it plays during the war.

1931

Despite only employing a medical staff of 35 physicians and 12 dentists, the Dispensary remains open for anyone living in Hartford County who can’t afford the services of a private dentist or doctor. In 1949, a special donation of $5,000 from the Hartford Foundation of Public Giving enables the organization to renovate its dental clinic.

Late 1940s

The Dispensary moves to 45 Retreat Ave., where it remains for the next 20 years. By this time, it is operating 30 clinics and features a staff of 25 doctors and 13 dentists, along with other supportive personnel. A fee of 50 cents is still the average charge for most clinic visits.

1960

Responding to a critical unmet community need, the Dispensary’s Board of Directors decide to sponsor a health care program specifically and exclusively geared for the treatment of heroin addiction. At this time, Hartford is experiencing an acute heroin epidemic and treatment resources for addicts are virtually non-existent.

1970

The Dispensary begins offering a methadone maintenance treatment program.

1971

Featured News & Events

Root Center Welcomes John M. Sheehan as President and CEO

November 3, 2026
Root Center Welcomes John M. Sheehan as President and CEO. Root Center for Advanced Recovery is pleased to welcome John M. Sheehan, MBA, FACHE, as President and Chief Executive Officer, beginning a new chapter of leadership as the organization continues expanding access to compassionate, evidence-based mental health and substance use treatment across Connecticut. John brings more than 20 years of executive leadership experience across behavioral health, hospital systems, and healthcare innovation. Throughout his career, he has helped organizations grow, strengthen operations, expand access to care, and respond to the evolving needs of the communities they serve. Experienced Leadership in Behavioral Healthcare Prior to joining Root Center, John served as Chief Executive Officer of Harbor, one of the largest behavioral health providers in the Midwest, based in Toledo, Ohio, where he led organizational growth and expanded access to integrated healthcare services. He previously served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Mind Springs Health, a community mental health provider in western Colorado, and President and Chief Executive Officer of Rochester RHIO, a regional health information exchange in New York. Earlier in his career, he held leadership positions with BayCare Health System in Florida, contributing to the advancement of behavioral health programs and services. Across each of these roles, John has focused on strengthening organizations, expanding access to care, and improving how services are delivered. His experience in organizational strategy, clinical program development, and operational excellence will help support Root Center as it continues to evolve and meet the needs of communities across Connecticut. Looking Ahead at Root Center Founded in 1871, Root Center has served Connecticut communities for more than 150 years. Today, the organization provides mental health and substance use treatment through a network of outpatient and residential programs across the state. At the heart of John’s leadership approach is a commitment to people — those seeking care, the families supporting them, and the staff who dedicate their careers to helping others. “I am honored to join Root Center for Advanced Recovery and work alongside a team so deeply committed to improving lives,” said Sheehan. “Root Center has a longstanding history of providing compassionate, evidence-based care to individuals and families across Connecticut. I look forward to building on that foundation, listening to our staff and community partners, and working together to expand our impact.” As Root Center begins this next chapter, we look forward to John’s leadership as we continue supporting our staff, strengthening community partnerships, and expanding access to the care and support individuals and families deserve. Learn more about John, his experience, and his leadership at Root Center by visiting his leadership bio.

Creativity on Display Across Root Center

November 2, 2026
Throughout October, teams across Root Center put their creativity to the test as part of our annual pumpkin decorating contest. What started as a little friendly competition quickly turned into a display of imagination, teamwork, and plenty of personality. From familiar characters and seasonal scenes to food-inspired creations, beach themes, spooky setups, and unexpected humor, our clinics found all kinds of ways to transform a simple pumpkin into something completely their own. After a month of creativity and some friendly competition, one team ultimately took home the top spot. And the winner is... Branford! Congratulations to our Branford Clinic, whose creative take on "How Pumpkin Pie Is Made" earned this year's winning title.

Supporting Our Nonprofit Community This Fall

October 26, 2026
Supporting Our Nonprofit Community This Fall This fall, Root Center for Advanced Recovery has been proud to support and celebrate nonprofit organizations across Connecticut whose work strengthens the communities we share. From recovery support and behavioral healthcare to whole-person care and community-based services, nonprofits are making a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and families every day. This season, Root Center had the opportunity to join two of those organizations - SCADD and InterCommunity - in celebrating their missions, impact, and continued commitment to the people they serve.
ADDITIONAL NEWS & EVENTS