Waldorf, Md. (June 11, 2024) – Recovery Centers of America (RCA) Capital Region, a Maryland-based substance use disorder treatment facility, has appointed Kent Alford, RN, MSN, FNPc, B.C., as its new director of nursing. Alford, a psychiatric registered nurse with over two decades of experience in clinical behavioral health, brings extensive executive leadership and innovation in behavioral health programs to the role.
Alford’s career includes significant positions such as chief nursing officer for Poplar Springs Behavioral Hospital and Shady Grove Adventist Behavioral Health. He has been instrumental in launching cutting-edge programs in Maryland, including telepsychiatry at several medical centers.
“The RCA Capital Region team is excited to welcome Kent Alford, a veteran in behavioral and mental health, as a leader of our nursing division,” said Fredericka Ford, chief executive officer of RCA Capital Region. “Kent’s career reflects his passion for advocacy and innovation in addressing mental health and behavioral challenges, and for his pursuit of continuous learning and advancement in the addiction treatment field. His mission aligns with RCA’s dedication to providing high-quality, comprehensive and compassionate care to individuals with substance use disorders and their loved ones.”
Alford’s dedication to mental health is reflected in his community involvement. He chairs the NAACP behavioral health committee in Maryland, serves on the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) board of directors, and is a board member of the PsychU stigma committee. Additionally, he is the executive vice president and deputy director of intake for the 100 Black Men Prince George’s County Chapter.
“I am honored to step into the role of director of nursing at RCA Capital Region,” said Alford. “Addiction treatment requires a multifaceted approach. I appreciate the opportunity to collaborate with our senior leadership and dedicated team of addiction specialists to make a meaningful difference. It’s my commitment to not only provide exceptional care but to strengthen our ties in the community to ensure individuals and their families have access to the support, advocacy and resources necessary to thrive in recovery.”
Alford has also been an adjunct professor at several educational institutions and has published articles on behavioral health topics, such as “Comfort Room in Inpatient Behavioral Health Settings.” He holds a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Coppin State University, a master’s degree in nursing from Howard University, and recently earned a family nurse practitioner DNP from United States University.
RCA Capital Region, located near Washington, D.C., supports patients and families from the surrounding area and beyond. Accredited by the Joint Commission and the National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers, it has been named a “Best U.S. Addiction Treatment Facility in Maryland” by Newsweek for four consecutive years. RCA offers a comprehensive range of care, including medically monitored detox, inpatient care, outpatient care with in-person and telehealth options, and medications for addiction treatment.
For more information about RCA Capital Region and its programs, visit their website.
