The state president of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People says a public option for health care would help curb inequities in national health coverage.

Dr. Anthony R. Douglas of Oklahoma City expressed these concerns Friday at the beginning of the NAACP’s state convention at Indian Capital Technology Center.

About 300 NAACP members from across Oklahoma were expected at the convention, which includes breakout sessions on voter empowerment, economic development and health care. The theme of this year’s convention, marking the national association’s centennial, is “NAACP 100 Years: Bold Dreams — Big Victories.”

In a media interview at the start of the convention, Douglas expressed the NAACP’s support of a strong public option. He said the organization joins 50 civil rights organization in saying “real health care reform needs a strong public option.”

“We want to urge Congress to pass real health care reform, so we stress the public option,” Douglas said.

The president expressed his concern a day after the Oklahoma Department of Health released its latest statistics on hospitalizations due to the H1N1 flu virus. The health department reported 804 influenza-related hospitalizations from Sept. 1 through Oct. 31, with 457 of those being younger than 19. African-American children had the highest rate of influenza-related hospitalizations, at a rate of 77 per 100,000.

“Why do we have such a large number in Oklahoma who do not have access to health care,” Douglas said.

He said the Health Department should pay more attention to minority health needs.

Addressing the NAACP’s health care proposals, Douglas said the organization urges Congress to strengthen public option in three areas:

• Reimburse doctors and physicians at a fair and equitable rate, regardless of where they practice.

• Ensure full, comprehensive coverage for children, including dental and mental health care.

• Expand and strengthen the Office of Minority Health in the Department of Health and Human Services consistent with the Women’s Health Office.

Douglas said he was grateful to the Muskogee NAACP, ICTC and the LaQuinta Inn for their help with the convention.

“Muskogee pulled this together,” he said. “They have been right here for us.”

The state NAACP is stepping up its efforts to work with the American Red Cross and other organizations to improve response to disasters.