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'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.

Root Center's Summer Teen Community Forums

June 4, 2026
Join us this summer at our Middletown Saybrook Clinic for free informational forums surrounding topics facing teens today. No registration required! These will be held once a month at 6pm at 520 Saybrook Rd in Middletown, CT. Stop by to speak with industry experts and learn ways to help your teen navigate the challenges they are are facing. The summer is a perfect time to reset and prepare for a new school year ahead! We hope you'll join us. Topics and info listed below.

Rooted & Real Podcast: Always On: Social Media and the Mind

May 12, 2026
In this episode of Rooted and Real, we get honest about the highs, the lows, and the unseen impact of scrolling, comparing, and staying constantly connected. From validation and anxiety to the feeling of being hooked on our screens and struggling to put them down—and how all of this is affecting kids growing up in a digital world—nothing is off limits. If you’ve ever caught yourself reaching for your phone without thinking or wondered how it’s shaping your mental health (or the next generation’s), this conversation is for you. 🎧 Tune in, reflect, and get real with us. Special thanks to our guest, UCONN Professor and Digital Media Expert, John Murphy, for all of his excellent insight on this episode! 
ADDITIONAL NEWS & EVENTS