Drones used to deliver island residents their medicine

SMITH ISLAND, Md. (WLS) -- A first of its kind program in Maryland is a combination of high-tech logistics and medicine.

It's called telemedicine, and the program delivers medication to patients living on an isolated island via drone.

Smith Island residents have already been testing a video chat service with doctors at a mainland hospital and pharmacy...the drones are the next step in the medical trial that have the backing of the White House.

"With the drone capability, we would be able to make the diagnosis with telemedicine and make the delivery even if the boats aren't running," said Dr. Kerry Palakanis.

If things go well in Smith Island, the trial program will be used in two other island communities by the end of the year.