Maryland Department of Planning Teams with University Partners for Drone Medical Delivery Demonstrations in Crisfield

CRISFIELD, MD -A collaborative team led by the Maryland Department of Planning will conduct groundbreaking medical delivery demonstrations using drone technology in Somerset County. The University of Maryland's UAS Research and Operations Center, located at St. Mary's County Airport, will spearhead the initiative.

The project brings together multiple institutional partners. The University of Maryland's Institute for Health Computing, UMD Eastern Shore, TidalHealth, and DroneUp will participate in the demonstrations. The collaboration aims to address critical transportation gaps that create public health challenges for residents in rural communities across Maryland and nationwide.

The demonstrations will utilize advanced aviation technology to test medical delivery capabilities. This initiative represents the first in a planned series of such demonstrations in the region. The project has received funding support through a U.S. Department of Transportation SMART grant.

The demonstrations are scheduled to take place from September 15-19, 2025, in Crisfield, Maryland. Both the public and media representatives are invited to attend the events.

Individuals seeking additional information about the demonstrations can contact the organizing team at uroc@umd.edu.