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 nine clinics 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 Hosting First Art Show

January 6, 2026
Calling all Artists! Root Center is pleased to present New Beginnings, an art exhibition celebrating recovery, hope, and renewal on the eve of the vernal equinox. On March 19th , Root Center will host this juried art show at our Branford location , featuring work by local artists exploring the theme of new beginnings. Much like recovery itself, the exhibition reflects the possibility of change, growth, and redefinition. The selected works invite viewers to consider what it means to start again—whether through healing, self-discovery, or the quiet courage it takes to move forward. Timed with the return of spring, New Beginnings honors transformation as both a personal and collective experience . Artists are encouraged to interpret new beginnings broadly. Location: Stony Creek Medical Center, 6-12 Business Park Drive, Branford, CT 06405 Submission: Please submit all pieces for consideration via email to margaux.farrell@rootcenter.org by FEBRUARY 16, 2026 . All submissions will be responded to by February 20th. Special thanks to Alex Ranniello , MA for your collaboration on this exciting project!

Summer 2025 Newsletter

October 1, 2025
Summer seemingly flew by for us here at the Root Center. From events to new projects, we were busy!  Since our last newsletter, we welcomed a new cohort of Fall Semester interns, spruced up our Weston Street facilities, and had our annual Overdose Awareness Day Event, among so much more! We just successfully held our first ever Root center Charity Golf Tournament to benefit St. Vincent de Paul Middletown at Lyman Orchards Golf Club, and we were able to donate $25,000 to help them continue to do amazing work for our communities! Keep reading for more details and exciting updates!

Root Center Hosts First Golf Tournament

September 30, 2025
Our FIRST EVER Charity Golf Tournament was a Hole in One! This event was so special to us, and we are so thrilled to have been able to host such a successful day for all of our golfers and guests! We're also excited to be able to donate 100% of proceeds from this fundraiser to Executive Director Maryellen Shuckerow and St. Vincent de Paul Middletown to help them continue their amazing and crucial community work.
ADDITIONAL NEWS & EVENTS