Prominent pharmacist, public health professional, and civic leader is campaign’s second major endorsement
HOUSTON, TX – Today, Dr. Polly Sparks Turner endorsed Chris Hollins to serve as the next Mayor of Houston. In the second major endorsement for the Hollins campaign, the prominent Houston pharmacist, public health professional, educator, and civic leader expressed confidence in Chris’s diligence to confront health disparities and inequality.
“I’m pleased to endorse Chris Hollins as mayor of our great city because he understands that a healthy Houston is a hopeful Houston. While serving as Harris County Clerk in 2020, Chris sought the expertise of health professionals and infectious disease specialists to improve safety measures for voters and election workers during the pandemic. As our next mayor, I’m confident Chris will apply the same diligence to confront health disparities and inequality across Houston.”
Dr. Turner joins Rev. William A. Lawson – both historymakers and pillars of the Houston community – as early endorsers of the Hollins campaign.
Dr. Turner began her professional career as a pharmacist, serving as the first African American Director of Pharmacy Services at Beaumont City Hospital, Twelve Oaks Hospital and Doctors Hospital in Houston. She also served as the first Bureau Chief of Community Health Center Administration and the Office of Evaluation Services in the City of Houston’s Public Health and Human Services Department.
“Dr. Polly Turner epitomizes scholarship and service, and I’m humbled to have her endorsement for mayor. Dr. Turner is an educator who dedicated her life to improving public health outcomes for Houstonians, all the while blazing a trail for women to pursue careers in science and health. As our campaign continues to build local support, we’re thrilled to have Dr. Turner onboard to promote our vision for opportunity and healthier neighborhoods.”
Dr. Turner, a tenured Associate Professor at Texas Southern University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, was inducted into the Greater Houston Women’s Chamber of Commerce Hall of Fame and the Phillis Wheatley High School Wall of Fame. The 20th South Central Regional Director of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Dr. Turner is also a member of The Links, Inc., Top Ladies of Distinction, The Girl Friends, Inc. and several professional and community serving organizations.
These early endorsements, as well as the fundraising records from the first reporting period, reflect the grassroots enthusiasm that the Hollins campaign has generated since launching in February.
Hollins continued, “Houstonians are embracing our approach and fresh solutions in record numbers, and we look forward to sharing our message with more voters across the city.”
