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 Celebrates Fall at Lake Compounce

October 22, 2026
This October, Root Center for Advanced Recovery employees and their families came together at Lake Compounce for a day of fall fun during Phantom Fall Fest . With daytime Halloween activities, rides, fall treats, and festive entertainment throughout the park, the event offered something for attendees of all ages and gave families a chance to enjoy the season together. More than anything, the day was an opportunity to connect beyond the workplace. Events like these create space for coworkers to get to know one another in new ways, meet the people who are important in each other's lives, and share experiences that help strengthen the sense of community across Root Center. Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make this fall celebration so memorable. Events like these remind us of the importance of coming together, connecting with colleagues, and celebrating the people who make Root Center such a special place. Above all, we're grateful to our dedicated employees, whose compassion, commitment, and hard work make a meaningful difference in the lives of our patients and the communities we serve every day. If you're interested in exploring opportunities at Root, visit our careers page .

Save the Date: Rooted in Giving Golf Classic Returns in 2027

October 16, 2026
Root Center for Advanced Recovery is excited to return to Lyman Orchards Golf Club on Thursday, September 23, 2027 , for the Rooted in Giving Golf Classic , bringing community partners, local businesses, and supporters together for another day of golf with a purpose. Following the success of this year's tournament, we're already looking ahead to another opportunity to connect on the course while creating an impact throughout the communities we serve. In 2027, proceeds from the tournament will support the Root Center Giving Fund , an initiative dedicated to giving back to nonprofit organizations and community partners whose work strengthens communities across Connecticut. At Root Center, we know meaningful change doesn't happen through the work of one organization alone. Through the Root Center Giving Fund, we're proud to support community partners including Prudence Crandall Center , Connecticut Foodshare , Connecticut Community for Addiction Recovery (CCAR) , St. Vincent de Paul Middletown , Southeastern Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (SCADD) , and InterCommunity . Dollars raised at the Rooted in Giving Golf Classic will help us continue supporting organizations doing meaningful work throughout the state. Together, we're proud to be Putting Fore Nonprofits and extending the impact of the tournament far beyond the golf course. Save the Date Date: Thursday, September 23, 2027 Location: Lyman Orchards Golf Club, Middlefield, CT Additional details, including registration information, sponsorship opportunities, tournament schedule, and more, will be announced as we get closer to the event. For the latest tournament information and updates, visit our Rooted in Giving Golf Classic event page . We look forward to welcoming golfers, sponsors, community partners, and supporters back to Lyman Orchards for another memorable day of connection, community, and giving.

Root Center Featured in CT Mirror’s Guide to Naloxone Access in Connecticut

October 13, 2026
CT Mirror recently highlighted naloxone access and overdose prevention efforts across Connecticut, including Root Center for Advanced Recovery as one of the organizations where individuals can access naloxone for free. The article, How to Get Overdose Reversal Drug Naloxone, or Narcan, in CT , explains how naloxone works, where it can be found, and why access to the medication remains an important part of overdose prevention efforts throughout the state. 
ADDITIONAL NEWS & EVENTS