Contract terminated

Sturgis-based Michigan Agency with Choice has terminated its contract with Community Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services of St. Joseph County.

The decision was made based primarily on the agency’s refusal to reinstate services for people with disabilities, according to John Carmichael, director of business development of GT Independence, the parent company of MAWC.

Liz O’Dell, Community Mental Health executive director, said as a result of the action on behalf of MAWC, a 60-day termination clause in the contract that went into effect Oct. 1 last year means the agreement will expire June 10.

O’Dell said a variety of new-provider agencies will be able to fill the void left by MAWC. Still, she  called the decision unfortunate.

The Centreville-based agency has a client roster of 2,700 people, which includes the 235 from MAWC, O’Dell said.