Michigan Medical Drone Delivery Project Advances to Phase Two
A state-funded medical drone delivery project in northern Michigan begins its second phase on October 6.
The Michigan medical drone delivery project enters its second phase on October 6 with Federal Aviation Administration approval. Test flights will run through October 30, simulating deliveries of medical supplies, laboratory samples, and medications between Munson Medical Center and Crystal Lake Health Center in the Traverse City area.
Traverse Connect, Munson Healthcare, Blueflite, and Central Michigan University’s Rural Health Excellence Institute are conducting this phase. The project is funded through Michigan’s Advanced Aerial Mobility Activation Fund, a collaborative effort between the Michigan Department of Transportation, the Office of Future Mobility and Electrification, and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.
Goals build on initial feasibility findings
This phase introduces longer flights, multiple drones, and sensor technology to gather data on operating a larger network. It builds directly on the first phase, which completed nearly 70 flights within a one-mile radius of Munson Medical Center from May 9 through May 20, 2025.
The primary objective of the initial phase was to assess the feasibility of using drones to transport patient laboratory samples. Researchers examined whether drones could improve clinical workflows and reduce the time between testing, diagnosis, and treatment. The new phase will provide additional operational data. The research will inform best practices for statewide and national adoption.
Partners and leadership drive regional initiative
Traverse Connect, the lead economic development organization for the Grand Traverse region, is spearheading the project. Munson Healthcare, a non-profit system serving more than a half-million people across 29 counties, is a key partner. The system includes eight community hospitals and is rated among Fortune Magazine’s Top 15 Health Systems in America.
Warren Call is president and CEO of Traverse Connect. Tracy Cleveland is Munson's vice president of supply chain and president of the Northern Michigan Supply Alliance. Newlab also provided support for the project. The results could help evaluate whether this drone delivery model can scale to other rural healthcare systems.
Statements reflect confidence in progression
Project leaders express enthusiasm about expanding on the first phase's success. Warren Call said, "This second phase of the medical drone delivery flights significantly expands the project beyond the successful first phase in 2025."
Tracy Cleveland added, "We are very excited to build upon what we’ve learned and carry that momentum into this next phase." Operations for the second phase will conclude by October 30.
