ImageFIRST named eight winners of its sixth annual HeroesFIRST contest on October 26, 2026, following a public vote on healthcare workers nominated for their impact on patient care.

Key Takeaways

  • More than 600 nominations were narrowed to 20 finalists before the public vote.
  • The winners will receive cash prizes totaling $16,500 or can choose equivalent donations to charity.
  • One of the eight winning entries recognizes two people jointly.

How the HeroesFIRST contest selected winners

ImageFIRST service team members nominated healthcare workers, and the public voted online after 20 finalists were selected. The company said the highest-voted entries would receive prizes totaling $16,500.

Winners can instead request an equivalent donation to a charity of their choice.

The 2026 winners

The winning entries are Mekila Clark of PeaceHealth St. John Medical Center in Longview, Washington; Dr. Gayathri Sambasivan of Dentistry for Children and Adolescents in Eden Prairie, Minnesota; Meghan Dean of Bristol Hospital in Bristol, Connecticut; and Laura Reese of Mid Coast Medical Center - Bellville in Bellville, Texas.

The other winners are Kimberly Kinsella and DeAnna Phan, recognized jointly at Minneapolis Clinic of Neurology in Edina, Minnesota; Lisa Wille of Meta Surgical Center in Montvale, New Jersey; Celeste Jenkins of TOC Spine & Joint Surgery Center in Tallahassee, Florida; and Susan Perrotta of Dermatology Professionals, Inc. in East Greenwich, Rhode Island.

Clark, a linen lead at PeaceHealth St. John Medical Center, said she does the work for her patients and coworkers rather than for competition or recognition.

Next milestone

ImageFIRST plans to hold local celebrations for each winner.

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