Ronkonkoma artist wins national contest; design sold in 6,700+ stores

Ronkonkoma artist’s design featured on CVS Pharmacy journal Diego Rios’ retro-style design embraces mental and physical health, fostering unity with nature and community 
Diego Rios of Ronkonkoma, NY, poses with his winning cover design

WOONSOCKET, R.I. (August 21, 2024) — Ronkonkoma’s Diego Rios is one of four CVS Health colleagues whose artwork appears on the cover of a new store brand collection of journals now being sold in more than 6,700 CVS Pharmacy stores nationwide and on CVS.com. The artists’ designs — inspired by their personal mental health and wellness journeys —

were selected following a company-wide call for art. It is the first time CVS Health colleague artwork has been featured on store brand products. Through his retro-style design titled “Life Harmony,” Rios captures the symbiotic relationship between creativity and well-being. He believes that journaling and artistic expression can be the bridge that connects us to the world and helps us embrace mental and physical health while fostering a sense of unity with nature and community.Rios, a creative lead at CVS Health for more than five years, has a rich background in art direction, jewelry design, graphics and marketing that spans 21 years. He previously worked as an agency art director and in higher education settings and continues to do graphic design for nonprofit organizations focused on wildlife conservation as well as the health and fashion industries.

Through the contest, Rios saw an opportunity to channel his creativity. After researching and reading about mental health, he was inspired by his sister, a psychologist who treats children with mental illness, to create a design that communicates comfort and serenity.“I didn’t think I’d be a winner,” Rios

said. “I just did it!”Diego Rios’ notebook design
(View/Download) A panel of colleague judges selected his work from more than 75 submitted designs. The winning artists received a cash award for their participation.The journals are part of the Caliber® Fashion Artist Series, a line within the Caliber store brand of school, work and stationery store brand products. The winning designs aim to raise awareness of the impact that art and journaling can have on one’s daily life.“Journaling has long been used to help people process their thoughts and emotions,” said Deborah Fernandez-Turner, Deputy Chief Psychiatric Officer, CVS Health. “Studies have shown that journaling after a difficult life event or about emotional expression and processing can help to improve one’s mood, anxiety and overall well-being.” The journals retail for $8.99 and are also available at CVS.com. To purchase Rios’ notebook or to view other winning artists’ work, visit the following product pages:Diego Rios (Ronkonkoma, NY): 

“Life Harmony” JournalAshley Briggs (Richmond, VA): “My Peace” JournalMatthew Everett (Saunderstown, RI): “Late Blooming” JournalMakayla Huerta (Brea, CA): “Aesthetes” Journal ###About CVS Health

CVS Health® is the leading health solutions company, delivering care like no one else can. We reach more people and improve the health of communities across America through our local presence, digital channels and over 300,000 dedicated colleagues — including more than 40,000 physicians, pharmacists, nurses and nurse practitioners. Wherever and whenever people need us, we help them with their health — whether that’s managing chronic diseases, staying compliant with their medications or accessing affordable health and wellness services in the most convenient ways. We help people navigate the health care system — and their personal health care — by improving access, lowering costs and being a trusted partner for every meaningful moment of health. And we do it all with heart, each and every day. Follow @CVSHealth on social media. 
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