When people think of healthcare, they often picture hospitals, clinics, or private practices. But one of the most overlooked and critical healthcare settings is correctional facilities. Nurses, physicians, mental health professionals, and other healthcare workers in jails and prisons play a crucial role in public health, ensuring that incarcerated individuals receive proper medical care while also preventing the spread of disease within – and beyond – facility walls.
Despite its importance, correctional healthcare is often misunderstood. Many healthcare professionals hesitate to work in this environment due to misconceptions about safety, patient care, and career growth. However, those who work in correctional healthcare often describe it as rewarding, structured, and deeply impactful.
Why Correctional Healthcare is a Public Health Priority
Providing quality healthcare in correctional settings isn’t just about treating incarcerated individuals – it has far-reaching effects on public health. Here’s why:
- Preventing Disease Spread – Incarcerated populations have higher rates of infectious diseases like tuberculosis, hepatitis, and HIV. Providing proper care helps prevent these conditions from spreading within facilities and into communities when individuals are released.
- Addressing Chronic Conditions – Many incarcerated individuals lack access to regular healthcare before entering the system. Correctional healthcare providers help manage diabetes, hypertension, and other chronic illnesses, improving health outcomes long-term.
- Tackling the Mental Health Crisis – Over 37% of people in prison and 44% in jail have been diagnosed with a mental illness. Correctional healthcare providers are on the frontlines of mental health treatment, offering essential care and crisis intervention.
- Reducing Healthcare Costs – Providing early intervention and preventive care in correctional settings reduces emergency room visits and long-term healthcare costs, benefiting both facilities and the public healthcare system.
- Supporting Successful Reintegration – Many incarcerated individuals return to their communities. Ensuring they receive adequate healthcare, treatment for substance use disorders, and mental health support reduces recidivism and improves overall public safety.
Debunking the Myths: What It’s Really Like to Work in Correctional Healthcare
Despite its importance, there are many misconceptions about working in correctional healthcare. Let’s separate fact from fiction.
🔹 Myth: Correctional healthcare is dangerous.
✅ Reality: Correctional facilities have structured security protocols, and healthcare providers work in controlled environments. Many providers find it safer than emergency departments.
🔹 Myth: You don’t really help people in correctional healthcare.
✅ Reality: Healthcare providers make a real impact by treating vulnerable populations who often haven’t had consistent care. Many providers describe it as one of the most rewarding fields they’ve worked in.
🔹 Myth: It’s isolating.
✅ Reality: Correctional healthcare teams work closely with nurses, doctors, and mental health professionals, creating a collaborative environment. Many healthcare workers find strong professional support in these settings.
How Millbrook Supports Correctional Healthcare Providers
At Millbrook Support Services, we understand the importance of staffing skilled healthcare professionals in correctional settings. We connect qualified nurses, physicians, and behavioral health professionals with meaningful opportunities where they can make a difference.
Here’s how we support our providers:
✔ Matching candidates with top correctional healthcare jobs across the country.
✔ Offering flexibility in contract length and location.
✔ Providing resources and career support for those entering correctional healthcare.
✔ Ensuring competitive pay and benefits for our contracted providers.
Correctional Healthcare is More Than a Job – It’s a Mission
The work done in correctional healthcare is essential to public health. Whether it’s managing chronic conditions, preventing disease outbreaks, or addressing the mental health crisis, healthcare providers in these settings improve lives, reduce healthcare disparities, and strengthen communities.
If you're a healthcare professional looking for a rewarding and impactful career path, consider correctional healthcare. It’s a unique opportunity to use your skills where they’re needed most – and change lives in the process.
Interested in correctional healthcare jobs? Contact Millbrook today to explore opportunities!
About the Author
Michael Ferrentino has over 25 years of experience in accounting, finance, and operations. Mike has worked in multiple human capital sectors including healthcare, technology, accounting, and administration providing staffing, consulting, and outsourcing services to government and commercial clients. During his career, he has held Top Secret Clearance from the Department of Defense.
