South Texas Health System Edinburg Registered Nurse Wins HeroesFIRST Contest, Presented by ImageFIRST
Javen Hinojosa, an emergency room nurse at South Texas Health System Edinburg, has made Rio Grande Valley history for his unwavering dedication to providing quality, compassionate care to individuals requiring urgent medical attention. Following a nationwide vote, Hinojosa – a 27-year-old Edinburg native and former paramedic who has worked at STHS Edinburg for five years – beat out the 19 other finalists in the HeroesFIRST Contest, presented by ImageFIRST, becoming the first-ever contest winner from the four-county region. Hinojosa earned 1,121 votes, a 90% increase from the previous record vote count in the contest’s five-year history.
“I didn’t expect this at all; this is crazy,” exclaimed Hinojosa, a 2016 graduate of Edinburg High School who earned his associate’s degree in nursing from South Texas College and Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Texas at Arlington. “Honestly, I was just happy with the nomination, but I’m extremely grateful. It’s incredible to realize how people are supporting you, and I’m so honored to help put the Rio Grande Valley on the map.”
Organized by ImageFIRST, a leading healthcare linen services provider, the annual campaign recognizes healthcare heroes from across the United States who go above and beyond to enhance the patient experience. The contest celebrates individuals who align closely with the company’s values – Be Safe, Be Honest, Be Respectful and most of all, Be Remarkable.
“HeroesFIRST is a reflection of the values we share with the healthcare industry,” says ImageFIRST CEO Edward H. Orzetti. “Every year, we’re moved by the stories of quiet leadership and compassion in action. These individuals don’t seek the spotlight, but their actions speak volumes. This campaign brings those stories forward and reminds us why our work matters.”
“Javen was nominated by our team for his dedication to emergency care and his continuous pursuit of excellence,” adds Darwin Trujeque, an ImageFIRST Linen Technician in Weslaco. “With prior experience as a paramedic, five years as an ER nurse at STHS Edinburg, and now on the verge of becoming an Emergency Nurse Practitioner, Javen truly embodies the spirit of HeroesFIRST – committed, compassionate and always ready to serve those in critical need.”
To celebrate Hinojosa’s historic win, STHS Edinburg partnered with the ImageFIRST South Texas team to host a special celebration on Thursday, October 30 at the facility, where he received a $3,500 cash prize as this year’s HeroesFIRST National Champion, as well as a trophy to commemorate his win. Additionally, Edinburg Mayor Ramiro Garza Jr. read a special proclamation during the event recognizing Hinojosa and declaring October 25, 2025, as Javen Hinojosa Day in the city.
“Hospitals like STHS Edinburg can’t provide exceptional service without exceptional clinical staff like Javen because they directly impact patient outcomes, safety and satisfaction,” says Lance Ames, Chief Executive Officer, STHS Edinburg and STHS Children’s. “Since joining the nursing team, Javen has provided quality, compassionate care that goes beyond medical tasks to offer emotional support, education and advocacy for those under his care, leaving an indelible mark on our patients.”
About ImageFIRST
Founded in 1967, ImageFIRST® is the largest and fastest-growing national provider of linen rental, laundry and facility services, focusing primarily on the healthcare sector. Acquired by private equity firm Calera Capital in 2018, ImageFIRST serves medical facilities nationwide and hospitality customers in select markets. They offer an array of items such as linens, patient/guest garments, essential staff uniforms and supplies, facility service programs, and more while managing their clients’ linen inventory for cost management. With a customer retention rate of over 97%, ImageFIRST is dedicated to improving staff and patient/guest satisfaction through quality linen and remarkable service. As leaders in infection prevention, they currently own and operate the most HLAC-accredited (81 and counting) and TRSA Food Service certified (8) facilities in the industry. For more information, visit imagefirst.com.