St. Michael AFA

AFA News

12/15/2025 White House declares fentanyl a weapon of mass destruction.

DEFENDING AMERICA FROM A CHEMICAL WEAPON: Today, President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order designating illicit fentanyl and its core precursor chemical as weapons of mass destruction (WMD).

Get the Facts

2/27/2025 Ohio Senate Passes Johnson Resolution Urging Congress Declare Fentanyl a Weapon of Mass Destruction

COLUMBUS—The Ohio Senate passed Senate Concurrent Resolution 1 sponsored by Senator Terry Johnson (R-McDermott) by a unanimous vote of 32-0, urging Congress to pass legislation designating illicit fentanyl as a weapon of mass destruction. Pharmaceutical fentanyl is used legitimately to treat severe pain but illicit fentanyl has become the number one cause of death for Americans eighteen to forty-five years of age.

“While tragic, this crisis is no accident," explained Johnson. "Drug cartels and enemy nations of the United States like the People’s Republic of China profit directly from the distribution of fentanyl. China financially rewards companies that manufacture fentanyl and its precursors through tax incentives and special economic designations."

See the Article

November 2025 Big Beautiful Bill Federal Ban Could Reshape Hemp Industry.

What Does The Provision Entail?

Proponents of the measure see it as the answer to a loophole that the Farm Bill created when legalizing hemp. That legislation removed hemp and its derivatives from the federal list of controlled substances. However, it did not anticipate the sharp rise of chemically altered cannabinoids like delta-8-THC and other variations, which produce a high, and have become widely available for purchase at gas stations, convenience stores by adults and minors.

What Are The Effects Of THC?

THC’s impacts on the brain can include:

Impaired memory
Difficulty focusing
Learning difficulties
Mood fluctuations
Impaired coordination
Altered sense of time
Psychosis, including hallucinations, delusions, and paranoia.

12/12/2025 Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine said he will sign intoxicating hemp ban into law

“It was a long time coming, but it’s a major victory,” DeWine said. “(Kids) won’t be able to have juiced-up, hemp gummies, and you won’t be able to walk into a gas station and let an 11-year-old go buy the stuff. That, to me, is the most important part of the bill.”

Children’s safety was DeWine’s biggest concern with intoxicating hemp products.

The Ohio Poison Control Center reported in January 2024 that there had been at least 257 reports of delta-8 poisoning in Ohio in recent years — including 102 in 2023 and 40 that involved children under six-years-old.

See the Article

Empowering Communities

Community Advocacy

We advocate for policies and programs that support the well-being of our community. We work with local lawmakers and organizations to promote social justice, equity, and access to essential services.

Community Education

We offer a variety of educational programs designed to empower individuals and families with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed. Our programs cover topics like financial literacy, health and wellness, and job readiness.

Community Engagement

We believe that community engagement is key to building strong, resilient neighborhoods. We organize and sponsor a variety of events and activities that bring people together and promote a sense of belonging.

Community Support Network

Our support network provides a safe and supportive environment for individuals to connect with others and receive emotional support. We offer a variety of peer support groups and referrals to professional counseling services to help individuals in their recovery journeys.

Advocating for Survivors of Fentanyl Loss