South Texas Health System Edinburg Registered Nurse Named a Top 20 Finalist in ImageFIRST's HeroesFIRST Contest
He has only been working as a registered nurse for about five years, but Javen Hinojosa is already earning national recognition for his commitment to providing quality, compassionate care to patients requiring urgent medical attention. Hinojosa, an Edinburg native and former paramedic who works in the emergency department at South Texas Health System Edinburg, has been named a top 20 finalist in the ImageFIRST® HeroesFIRST national contest.
“In my daily responsibilities at STHS Edinburg, I have had the privilege of witnessing the extraordinary dedication of Javen Hinojosa, an ER Registered Nurse who truly embodies the spirit of teamwork," reads his nomination form. "With his cheerful demeanor and remarkable sense of humor, Javen brings positivity to every interaction. His attitude is infectious, lifting the spirits of both patients and colleagues. Beyond his uplifting presence, Javen has demonstrated heroic skill, saving lives through his swift and decisive CPR interventions. His actions remind us of the profound impact one person can make in critical moments. Javen’s example inspires us all to approach each day with the same dedication, compassion and commitment to making a difference.”
How to Vote for Javen Hinojosa
As a patient, employee or community member, you’re invited to support Hinojosa – the only nominee from South Texas – by visiting the contest page and voting as often as you’d like. Voting is open to anyone from now until Friday, October 3, 2025, at 11:59 p.m.
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 our opportunity to celebrate healthcare heroes whose dedication and integrity set a powerful example across the healthcare industry,” says Edward H. Orzetti, Chief Executive Officer, ImageFIRST. “We are united by our shared focus – enhancing the patient experience – and are privileged to witness the extraordinary passion delivered by our healthcare partners each day. ImageFIRST is proud to support those who devote their lives to caring for others, and we look forward to the impact of this year’s campaign.”
After the initial nomination process, which involved ImageFIRST service team members and customer advocates in the company’s 80+ markets submitting nominees, the list was pared down to Hinojosa and 19 other exceptional finalists. Following a national online vote, the top eight heroes with the most votes, four each from the East and West regions, will be awarded a share of $16,500 in monetary prizes for representing the best in patient experience.
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.