Northwest State Correctional Facility

👂 **OPEN EARS PEER SUPPORT PROGRAM**

Support can make a difference — especially when it comes from someone who understands the environment, the challenges, and the importance of being heard.

The Open Ears Program gives incarcerated individuals the opportunity to serve as peer support counselors after completing specialized training at another correctional facility and then returning to support others at Northwest State Correctional Facility.

Open Ears is a peer-based, non-judgmental support program designed to provide a listening ear, help individuals talk through difficult moments, and assist in developing positive coping strategies.

The program is not therapy and does not replace medical, legal, or mental health services. Instead, it is built around listening, trust, accountability, and connection.

Open Ears counselors are trained to provide support while also recognizing situations that must be reported for safety, including threats of harm to self or others, escape, weapons, or other serious security concerns.

This program reflects the belief that meaningful change can begin with something as simple — and as powerful — as someone willing to listen.

Congratulations to COII Ferris on receiving her new rank tabs as she officially assumes the duties and responsibilities of Correctional Officer II.

This promotion reflects her hard work, professionalism, and commitment to the mission of NWSCF. We are proud to recognize this achievement and wish her continued success in her new role.

Well done, COII Ferris!

Staff Spotlight: Nefertiti Borton-May, MSN, FNP-BC, CCHP
by FSES Engels

At Northwest State Correctional Facility, quality healthcare is a critical component of maintaining a safe and humane correctional environment. Leading that effort is Family Nurse Practitioner Nefertiti Borton-May, a highly experienced and compassionate provider whose journey to correctional medicine is as inspiring as it is unique.

Originally from Texas, Borton-May did not begin her academic career intending to work in healthcare. In fact, her first passion was mathematics, with a particular interest in statistics. She was only about a year and a half away from completing her bachelor’s degree in mathematics before deciding to follow her long-standing desire to care for others.

“I always had a feeling that I wanted to care for people,” she explains. “Once I entered nursing, I became completely invested in it.”

Today, Borton-May holds a Master of Science in Nursing, is board certified as a Family Nurse Practitioner, and is certified through the National Commission on Correctional Health Care, reflecting specialized expertise in correctional healthcare.

A Calling to Serve
Borton-May was drawn to correctional medicine because she recognized a profound need for quality healthcare within the correctional system.
“I know there is a deep need for healthcare in correctional facilities,” she says. “I felt like I was the right type of person to do that.”

After working in correctional healthcare in another state, serving as a traveling nurse practitioner in county jails, and spending time in urgent care, she found that corrections was where her skills and passion aligned best.
“I discovered that I really enjoyed it, and it suited me.”

More Than Triage
Many people assume correctional healthcare is limited to emergencies and sick calls. Borton-May says the reality is far more comprehensive.
“Oh no, it’s everything,” she explains. “For many incarcerated individuals, I am their primary care provider.”

From chronic disease management to preventive care, her role closely mirrors that of any community-based primary care provider. She follows patients regularly and works with healthcare teams throughout the correctional system to ensure continuity of care when individuals transfer between facilities.

A Typical Day
A typical day begins long before sunrise.
“I usually come in at 5:00 in the morning,” Borton-May says. “I try to catch up on administrative work, and then I hit the ground running.”
From consulting with nursing staff to seeing patients, responding to urgent issues, and balancing administrative responsibilities, no two days are ever alike.
“Every day is different. Every day brings something new, and that’s one of the reasons I like it.”

Boundaries and Professionalism
One of the most challenging aspects of correctional healthcare is maintaining strict professional boundaries.
“You cannot develop any kind of relationship,” she explains. “You do not talk about your personal life.”
For someone who describes herself as a natural people person, this has required a significant adjustment.
“That is difficult for me, but I know I have to remind myself where I am at all times.”

Working Together
Borton-May is quick to praise the partnership between healthcare and security staff.
“DOC security is the best here at Northwest. I think they’re fantastic.”
She emphasizes that correctional officers play a vital role in creating a safe environment that allows medical staff to focus on delivering quality care.
“They take care of us in medical when we need it, and I very much appreciate them.”

A Mission to Make a Difference
For Borton-May, the greatest reward is knowing she can provide meaningful healthcare to individuals who may not have always had access to quality medical treatment.
“I want to give people in the penal system good healthcare.”
She also encourages others pursuing careers in healthcare to continue advancing their education.
“I tell people who are pursuing nursing degrees to keep going. You can make so much more of a difference in somebody’s life.”

A Defining Moment
One experience early in her nursing career had a lasting impact on her professional path. While working in a mother-baby unit, she cared for a teenage mother and her own mother, who were struggling with significant family conflict. By helping them communicate and reconnect, Borton-May witnessed the powerful role nurses can play beyond physical care.

That experience solidified her decision to become a nurse practitioner and reinforced her belief in holistic care—treating not just the patient, but the entire person and their support system.

Outside of Work
Outside of her role at Northwest, Borton-May enjoys expressing her creativity through crafts and photography. These hobbies provide a relaxing outlet and reflect her artistic eye and attention to detail.

When asked what she enjoys most about being part of the team at Northwest State Correctional Facility, her answer was simple and heartfelt:
“The people.”

The Fast Five
Favorite Food: Hamburgers
Favorite Music Artist: Michael Jackson
Coffee or Energy Drink? Coffee
Dream Vacation: Italy
One Word Coworkers Would Use to Describe Her: Fair

Final Thoughts
Whether she is managing chronic conditions, mentoring aspiring nurses, or navigating the unique challenges of correctional medicine, Nefertiti Borton-May brings intelligence, empathy, and unwavering professionalism to her work.

Her commitment to providing exceptional healthcare to an often-overlooked population makes her an invaluable member of the Northwest State Correctional Facility team.

Eid al-Adha, also known as the “Festival of Sacrifice,” is one of the most important holidays in Islam. It honors faith, compassion, generosity, and the willingness to help others in need. It begins at sundown on May 26th which is at 8:07 PM.

As this special celebration is observed around the world, Northwest State Correctional Facility extends warm wishes to all those celebrating Eid al-Adha in 2026. May the holiday bring peace, reflection, and time with family and community.