The first lady of New York City was in the Bronx Saturday to announce the launch of a new program designed to help children facing serious adversity.

First lady Chirlane McCray was at the Harriett Tubman Early Childhood Education Center to launch Trauma Smart, an initiative to help parents, care givers and teachers better support children who have experienced difficulties in life.

The program is part of Thrive NYC, the city's $850 million effort to prevent and address untreated mental illness and substance misuse.

Experts say 90 percent of brain development happens before age 5, which is why parents need to be equipped to teach their children how to overcome stress early on.

McCray says, "We want our kids to know how to handle their emotions so they don't turn to things like alcohol and drugs."

The Administration for Children's Services will implement Trauma Smart in its early learn programs over the next several years.