STHS Edinburg Registered Nurse Wins Imagefirst’s National Heroesfirst Contest

Javen Hinojosa, an ER nurse at STHS Edinburg, received the highest number of  votes in contest history to become the first-ever winner from the Rio Grande Valley

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 ImageFirst’s HeroesFirst national competition, 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,” exclaims 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 & 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.”

To learn more about the award-winning service excellence provided at STHS Edinburg, named a Best Regional Hospital by U.S. News & World Report for four consecutive years, visit www.southtexashealthsystemedinburg.com.

About South Texas Health System

South Texas Health System is a multi-facility healthcare system serving patients throughout the Rio Grande Valley. The system includes four acute care facility campuses with specialties in pediatrics, heart and vascular services, maternity and women’s health and trauma services. Inpatient and outpatient treatment for behavioral health needs and addictive disorders is also provided through the system’s South Texas Health System Behavioral facility. South Texas Health System is affiliated with the South Texas Clinical Partners ACO, Prominence Health Plan and Cornerstone Regional Hospital. The system operates an advanced Level I Trauma Center at South Texas Health System McAllen, the first and only freestanding children’s facility and pediatric ER at South Texas Health System Children’s, the region’s only freestanding heart hospital and specialized cardiac ER at South Texas Health System Heart and seven freestanding emergency rooms located in and around Weslaco, Mission, Edinburg, McAllen, Pharr and Alamo. For more information about the system and its comprehensive services, please visit www.southtexashealthsystem.com.

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.