Millburn residents can get a free primer on how blood pressure affects their risk of heart attack, stroke, and kidney failure at a one-hour workshop the township Health Department is hosting next month at the public library.

The session, titled "Understanding Blood Pressure," takes place Tuesday, August 18, from 1 to 2 p.m. at the Millburn Free Public Library, 200 Glen Ave. The program will cover how blood pressure contributes to cardiovascular disease and outline steps residents can take to lower their risk, according to the township's Health & Human Services webpage.

Advance registration is required. Residents can call the Health Department at 973-564-7096 to reserve a spot.

Jessica Kelly is listed as the event organizer on the township calendar. Health Officer Michael Raimo oversees the department, which operates out of 22 East Willow St.

The workshop arrives at a time when hypertension remains widespread across New Jersey. CDC Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data from 2024 found that 34.4% of New Jersey adults had the condition. The state Department of Health identifies high blood pressure as a leading risk factor for heart attack, heart failure, stroke, and kidney failure.

Free health programming like this gives Millburn and Short Hills residents access to prevention education without a doctor's visit or out-of-pocket cost. The library location puts the event within walking distance of downtown Millburn.

The presenter's name and credentials were not available at the time of publication. Residents seeking more details about the workshop content or the speaker can contact the Health Department directly.