I was hopping from doctor to doctor, just trying to keep up​

In his early 20s, Tony Estrada was juggling school, work and mental health challenges — while trying to manage his care largely on his own.​

"I was hopping from doctor to doctor, just trying to keep up," Tony said. "Health care was hard to navigate because I was really doing it by myself."​

Still, he was determined to move forward. "I knew I had more to give life than just to quit and give up," he said.​

Managing anxiety and depression was hard enough without worrying about medication access. CVS Pharmacy was already a familiar place for Tony. He had grown up going there with his family for flu shots, prescriptions and wellness items, and knew it was a place he could count on.​

"CVS Health made getting my medication one less thing to worry about," Tony said.​

He also appreciated pharmacy staff’s guidance. "They answered every question I had," he said. "They helped me better understand my medications and how to take them."​

That care gave him confidence during a difficult chapter. "Having the support that I never thought I could get from a pharmacy is really life-changing," he said.​

Today, Tony, who lives in Roselle Park, runs his own video production business, creates motivational content and prioritizes exercise. Though he no longer takes medication for his mental health, he remembers how important reliable support was when he needed it most.​

That experience also shaped how he supports his father’s care. The more Tony learns about his dad’s high blood pressure and asthma, the better he understands what to watch for in his own health. Tony introduced him to the CVS Health® app and prescription delivery, helping him stay on top of his medications with more independence.​

"It's a lot of pressure to help a parent with their health care," Tony said. "But CVS Health makes it easier to support my dad from wherever I am."​