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

Teen Forum: Helping Teens Navigate Peer Pressure

August 4, 2026
Peer pressure can have a powerful impact on teens — but with the right support, young people can build confidence, make healthy choices, and navigate challenges with resilience. Join Root Center for Advanced Recovery for a Teen Forum: Helping Teens Navigate Peer Pressure, on Tuesday, August 12, from 3–5 PM for an important conversation designed for parents, caregivers, educators, and community members. Together, we’ll explore how peer pressure affects teens, how to recognize the signs, and ways adults can provide guidance, support, and meaningful connections. 💻 Virtual event hosted on Microsoft Teams 🗓️ Wednesday, August 12 ⏰ 3–5 PM Join us as we work together to better understand and support the teens in our communities. Scan the QR code or click here to register !

International Overdose Awareness Day Remembrance Ceremony 2026

July 1, 2026
Each year, International Overdose Awareness Day offers an opportunity to remember the lives lost to overdose, support those who are still struggling, and come together as a community to recognize that recovery is possible. On Monday, August 31, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. , Root Center for Advanced Recovery will host its annual International Overdose Awareness Day Remembrance Ceremony at the Manchester Root Center Clinic, 335 Broad Street in Manchester . Held in Root Center’s Memorial Garden, the ceremony brings together patients, families, staff, community partners, elected officials, and members of the public for a meaningful morning of remembrance, reflection, hope, and connection. Remembering Those We Have Lost A centerpiece of the ceremony is Root Center’s Remembrance Wall , where attendees are invited to write messages honoring loved ones lost to overdose. Paper and pens will be available for anyone who would like to leave a message in the wall. During the ceremony, Root Center will also hold a ceremonial burning of notes left at last year’s event, creating a powerful moment of reflection and remembrance. This year, TriCircle will join Root Center and display its memorial quilts , which share the names and faces of loved ones whose lives have been lost. The quilts serve as a deeply personal reminder that behind every statistic is a person, a family, and a story that matters. The event will also include Root Center’s annual ceremonial planting in the Memorial Garden , symbolizing remembrance, growth, and hope for the future. Voices From Our Community Community leaders, legislators, Root Center staff, and patients will share remarks throughout the ceremony, offering perspectives on overdose, recovery, treatment, and the importance of continuing to support individuals and families impacted by substance use. The ceremony is designed not only to remember those we have lost, but also to stand alongside those who are currently navigating substance use, treatment, and recovery. Health, Harm Reduction and Community Resources In addition to the remembrance ceremony, attendees will have access to important health and community resources. Wheeler Health will be on site with its mobile unit, offering blood pressure checks, glucose checks, basic CPR training, and community outreach resources . Root Center will also provide free Narcan (naloxone) and fentanyl testing strips . These harm-reduction tools can help prevent overdose deaths and provide individuals, families, and community members with resources that can save lives. Join Us on August 31 International Overdose Awareness Day reminds us that no one should have to navigate addiction, loss, or recovery alone. By gathering together, we can honor those we have lost, support those who are still struggling, reduce stigma, and continue working toward a future with fewer lives lost to overdose. The International Overdose Awareness Day Remembrance Ceremony is open to the public , and all are welcome to attend. Event Details Monday, August 31, 2026 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Root Center for Advanced Recovery – Manchester Clinic 335 Broad Street, Manchester, CT 06040 Light refreshments will be served. We hope you will join us for this special morning of remembrance, connection, and hope.

Root Center's 2nd Annual Golf Tournament

June 22, 2026
Root Center’s Driving Recovery Golf Classic Returns to Lyman Orchards Root Center for Advanced Recovery is proud to announce the return of the Driving Recovery Golf Classic , a charity golf tournament dedicated to supporting our mission of providing accessible, compassionate behavioral health care throughout Connecticut. Join us on Thursday, September 24, 2026 , at the beautiful Lyman Orchards Golf Club in Middlefield, Connecticut , for a day of golf, community, and purpose. Whether you're a seasoned golfer, a community supporter, or a local business looking to make a difference, this event offers a meaningful opportunity to help advance recovery and wellness across our state.  At Root Center, we believe that recovery is possible for everyone. Every day, our team works to provide mental health and substance use treatment, prevention services, community health programs, and recovery support to thousands of individuals and families. The Driving Recovery Golf Classic brings together community members, sponsors, and supporters who share our commitment to creating healthier communities and helping people build brighter futures. Event Details Date: Thursday, September 24, 2026 Location: Lyman Orchards Golf Club, Middlefield, CT Tournament Schedule Registration: 7:00 a.m. Driving Range & Putting Green Open: 7:30 a.m. Shotgun Start: 9:00 a.m. Banquet, Awards, Prizes & Raffle: 2:00 p.m. Event Conclusion: 4:00 p.m. Participants will enjoy a full day of golf, including contests such as Longest Drive , Closest to the Pin , and the chance for a Hole-in-One prize. A light breakfast, lunch, post-play refreshments, and a banquet dinner are included as part of the event experience. Sponsorship Opportunities The Driving Recovery Golf Classic offers a variety of sponsorship opportunities for businesses and organizations looking to increase their visibility while supporting a worthy cause. By becoming a sponsor, your organization will help strengthen recovery services and behavioral health programs that impact thousands of lives each year. Register Today Whether you're registering a foursome, becoming a sponsor, or making a donation, your support helps Root Center continue its work of improving lives and strengthening communities across Connecticut. We invite you to join us for a memorable day on the course while helping advance hope, healing, and recovery. Together, we can drive hope and lasting change. Visit our tournament website here.
ADDITIONAL NEWS & EVENTS