How Mail Works at Nash CI
Nash Correctional Institution uses TextBehind for personal mail processing. When you send a letter to the TextBehind address, TextBehind scans the mail and delivers it electronically to the person’s tablet inside the facility. You are not mailing a physical letter that gets hand-delivered. The letter arrives digitally.
This means you must format your envelope correctly. If you address it to the facility directly or leave out the OPUS Number, the mail will not process correctly.
The Correct Mailing Address
Send all personal mail to TextBehind using this format:
[Full Legal Name, OPUS Number]
Nash Correctional Institution
P.O. Box 247
Phoenix, MD 21131
Each line on its own. Do not combine lines. The OPUS Number goes on the same line as the name. Find the OPUS Number with the NC OPI inmate search if you do not have it.
Return Address Rules
Your return address must include your full first name and your full last name. Initials are not accepted. If the return address is incomplete or missing, the mail will be returned to you.
Write your return address in the upper-left corner of the envelope as you normally would. Make sure the name matches exactly what TextBehind has on file if you have a registered account.
What TextBehind Accepts
TextBehind processes standard personal letters. You can include:
- Written or typed letters
- Printed photos (standard size, appropriate content)
- Drawings or personal artwork on standard paper
Keep letters and photos within standard envelope size. Oversized envelopes are not accepted.
What TextBehind Does NOT Accept
Do not attempt to send the following through TextBehind:
- Packages or boxes of any kind
- Books or magazines (use the direct facility address for those)
- Money orders or cash
- Stamps or stationery
- Credit cards or gift cards
- Oversized envelopes
- Any drugs or controlled substances
Sending prohibited items can result in mail being returned, destroyed, or flagged for investigation.
Sending Books and Publications
Books and publications do not go through TextBehind. They ship directly to the facility from a publisher or approved vendor. Use this format:
[Full Legal Name, OPUS Number]
Nash Correctional Institution
2869 US 64 Alt.
Nashville, NC 27856
The facility reviews all books and publications upon arrival. They must come directly from a publisher, bookstore, or approved vendor. Personal copies sent from home may be rejected. Check with the facility at (252) 459-4455 if you are unsure whether a specific book or publication is approved.
Legal Mail
Legal mail does not go through TextBehind. If you are sending certified legal correspondence, contact the facility directly at (252) 459-4455 for the correct address and procedures. Legal mail is handled separately to preserve attorney-client privilege and is not scanned or read by facility staff in the same way as personal mail.
Processing Time and What to Expect
TextBehind scans incoming mail and delivers it to the person’s tablet. Processing typically takes one to two business days after TextBehind receives the envelope. Allow a few additional days for postal transit. The person will receive the letter electronically on their device.
What Happens If Mail Is Rejected
If your mail is rejected by TextBehind or by the facility, it is typically returned to your return address or held for 30 days. This is why a complete and correct return address is required. Common rejection reasons include:
- Missing or incomplete return address
- Incorrect or missing OPUS Number
- Prohibited content or item
- Oversized envelope
If you believe mail was wrongly rejected or is lost, contact TextBehind’s support or call the facility at (252) 459-4455.
Staying in Touch Beyond Mail
Mail is one part of staying connected. You can also:
Send Photos and Letters with Pigeonly
The easiest way to send photos and letters to someone at Nash Correctional Institution is through Pigeonly. Upload your photos or write your letter online, and Pigeonly prints and mails everything to the facility for you, following the mail rules listed above.
All information on this page comes directly from official government and facility sources.
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Last verified July 8, 2026.