Novant Health is taking health care to new heights.
The health system – along with Magellan Rx Management and Cardinal Health (NYSE: CAH) – has begun long-range, on-demand drone deliveries using Zipline, a global leader in instant logistics.
With a 98% reduction in delivery emissions compared to standard options, Zipline designs, manufactures and operates the world’s largest automated on-demand delivery service. Each company is working independently with Zipline to deliver a variety of products from a distribution center in Kannapolis, outside of Charlotte.
Novant will now offer delivery of specialty medications to the health system’s patients, becoming the first health care organization in the United States to utilize long-range, autonomous aircraft to deliver products and medications directly to patients’ homes.
Novant partnered with Zipline in 2020 to launch the nation’s first emergency drone logistics operation in response to the pandemic and was the first hospital to be granted Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approval for contactless delivery of personal protective equipment and critical medical supplies.
Novant Health on-demand drone delivery Zipline
“While Novant Health has made great strides in our virtual care capabilities, there remains an opportunity for patients to receive all the care they need from home – from diagnosis to treatment. Innovative tools like Zipline’s on-demand deliveries allow us to completely reimagine a fully remote patient care model,” said Angela Yochem, executive vice president and chief transformation and digital officer and Novant.
“The potential impact of this latest launch is immeasurable, and we are extremely energized about our role in creating a blueprint for health care systems across the country.”
With automated on-demand delivery, organizations and customers can receive their deliveries in as little as 15 minutes. The North Carolina Zipline distribution center can serve customers within a 7,800-square-mile area.
Commercial deliveries began on June 22 with an initial 16-nautical-mile flight, delivering a specialty medication to a patient’s home.
These operations mark the first deliveries since the FAA granted Part 135 certification to Zipline on June 17. The company is the fourth-ever drone operator to receive this certification in the United States.
“North Carolina is first in flight, and Zipline's work is taking us to new heights,” Gov. Roy Cooper said. “This innovative partnership will increase access to health care for our community.”
Cardinal Health, the Ohio-based distributor of pharmaceuticals and medical and laboratory products, will deliver certain pharmaceuticals and medical supplies to Cannon Pharmacy’s Kannapolis Main location to mitigate risk of inventory stock-outs and reduce barriers for patients accessing necessary products.
Magellan Rx Management, a national pharmacy benefits manager (PBM) based in Orlando, is the first PBM to leverage autonomous aircraft to deliver prescription medications directly to patients’ homes, including specialty medications.
“We imagine a future in which goods are transported nearly instantly,” said Keller Rinaudo, founder and CEO of Zipline. “Together with Novant Health, Magellan Rx Management and Cardinal Health, we are making it a reality. In the process, we are setting the bar for care and convenience with instant logistics.
The three health care organizations join a growing number of organizations working with Zipline. The logistics company has operations across the globe, including healthcare operations in several African countries such as Rwanda, Ghana and Nigeria. It also has operations across the U.S., including additional health care operations with Intermountain Healthcare in the West and health and wellness retail with Walmart in northwest Arkansas.
