Exclusive interview with Chirlane McCray on 'Up Close'
NEW YORK (WABC) -- New York City's first lady Chirlane McCray opened up to Eyewitness News anchor Sade Baderinwa in an exclusive one-on-one interview to discuss her husband, her family and her role since moving into Gracie Mansion.
And nothing is of greater importance than when her daughter Chiara revealed that she was suffering from depression.
"She was very sad," she said. "She was in her bed, and I was sitting beside her. 'Mom, I have been diagnosed with anxiety, depression and addiction.' I just wanted to cry, because I knew she was suffering. But I had no idea that it was so serious and that there was an actual diagnosis for what she was going through."
McCray remembers the day all too vividly.
"I don't know what could be more painful," she said. "I just wanted to help her."
Chirlane says she's proud of the way Chiara faced her problems head on. She's now attending Santa Clara University in California. The shared experience is the reason that mental health is one of her top priorities as first lady.
"One in four in New York state has a diagnosed mental condition," she said. "When I found that out, I was shocked."
Just last week, McCray launched the Children's Partial Hospitalization program at Bellevue Hospital. It is a new step to help youth who need serious care but don't require hospitalization.
Children ages 6 to 17 can spend up to two months undergoing intensive therapy and attending school at Bellevue, but they go home each night.
During our wide ranging interview, McCray talked about her role in shaping police in the de Blasio administration. The mayor has called her his most important advisor.
