Root Center Community Forum - The Loneliness Epidemic: The Silent Sadness

October 9, 2024

Our Community Forum on, "The Epidemic of Loneliness: The Silent Sadness", was a success!

 

Thank you to all of our wonderful panelists for sharing their time and expertise. It was a great evening filled with thoughtful discussion and conversation. The Root Center is proud to offer free events like this as part of our Advanced Recovery Institute (ARI). The ARI is committed to research and training to elevate clinical care. It is our hope that by organizing these forums that we will help expand our understanding and awareness of topics that impact our communities. 


Thank you again to our panelists: 

 

Andi Campbell, President of Wellspark Health, an EmblemHealth company.


Dr. Peter Donato, Vice President of Clinical Services at Apple Rehab.


Deb Bibbins, JD, MBA, Founder and CEO of For All Ages, a convener of CT Collaborative to End Loneliness.


Dr. Saud Anwar, MD FCCP, State Senator, Deputy President Pro Tempore, Medical Doctor specializing in lung diseases and critical care medicine, occupational and environmental medicine.


Allison Gaffey, PhD, FAHA, Assistant Professor at Yale School of Medicine.


and Dr. John Nazarian, MD, Medical Director at Community Mental Health Affiliates, Inc. (CMHA), and future Chief Medical Officer of the Root Center for Advanced Recovery.

Group photo (bottom right) from Left to Right:

Dr. Peter Donato, Deb Bibbins JD MBA, Dr. John Nazarian MD, Allison Gaffey PHD FAHA, Andi Campbell, and Dr. Saud Anwar MD FCCP

Did you miss the forum? Check out the video here!

Recent Posts

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!

Reflecting on International Overdose Awareness Day Remembrance Ceremony 2026

September 10, 2026
Honoring Lives Lost, Supporting Recovery, and Renewing Hope The Memorial Garden was filled with reflection, connection, and hope as community members gathered for Root Center for Advanced Recovery's annual International Overdose Awareness Day Remembrance Ceremony on August 31.  Each year, this event brings together patients, families, staff, community partners, and local leaders to honor the lives lost to overdose and support those who continue to navigate substance use disorder and recovery. Through shared stories, meaningful traditions, and moments of remembrance, attendees were reminded that behind every loss is a person who mattered deeply and behind every recovery journey is hope for the future.

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 !
Show More