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

Driving Recovery Golf Classic 2026

September 29, 2026
Driving Recovery Golf Classic 2026: A Day of Community, Connection, and Impact The Driving Recovery Golf Classic returned to Lyman Orchards this year with plenty of sunshine, friendly competition, and a community united around a common purpose. Ninety-two golfers gathered at Lyman Orchards Golf Club for Root Center for Advanced Recovery's second annual Driving Recovery Golf Classic. Together with our sponsors, volunteers, and community partners, we helped raise more than $23,000 to support Root Center's programs and services. Beyond the funds raised, the day was a celebration of connection, generosity, and the shared belief that everyone deserves access to compassionate behavioral healthcare and recovery support.

Art Therapy-Informed Open Studio Series

September 28, 2026
Introducing Our Art Therapy-Informed Open Studio Series This October, Root Center for Advanced Recovery is launching a new Art Therapy-Informed Open Studio Series, designed to provide welcoming opportunities for creativity, self-expression, and connection. Open Studio offers a supportive space where individuals can work with a variety of art materials at their own pace, with no prior artistic experience required. The focus is on the creative process rather than creating a perfect piece of artwork. Whether you're interested in exploring creativity, practicing mindfulness, expressing yourself, or simply trying something new, Open Studio provides a low-pressure environment where you can engage at your own comfort level. All materials are provided, and drop-ins are welcome.

Root Welcomes New Director of Operations

September 16, 2026
Root Center Welcomes Samantha Howard as Director of Operations! Root Center is excited to welcome Samantha Howard, M.A., LPC, as our new Director of Operations! Samantha joins our leadership team with more than a decade of behavioral healthcare experience spanning clinical leadership, operations, program development, quality improvement, and staff supervision. Throughout her career, she has remained dedicated to supporting high-quality care, strengthening teams, and improving services for both patients and providers. Samantha previously worked at Root, and prior to returning, she gained valuable experience at Yale University's PRIME Clinic, where she further developed her expertise in behavioral healthcare operations and program leadership. Samantha's journey has come full circle as she returns to Root Center with expanded experience, fresh perspectives, and a continued commitment to supporting individuals, families, and communities. In her new role as Director of Operations, Samantha will help support the continued growth and success of Root Center's programs and services while advancing our commitment to providing high-quality care across Connecticut. We are thrilled to welcome Samantha back to Root Center and look forward to the leadership, collaboration, and expertise she will bring to our team. Please join us in welcoming Samantha to this exciting new chapter!
ADDITIONAL NEWS & EVENTS