NORTH CAROLINA -- Drones could soon be delivering life-saving medical supplies to patients across the state.

The North Carolina Department of Transportation’s aviation division has submitted a proposal to be a part of the FAA's Drone Integration Pilot Program.

If approved, this means medical supplies could be delivered by drone. People hand deliver blood and other supplies to hospital and testing facilities. Officials say drones could cut down on travel time.

The department hopes to bring the delivery systems to Raleigh, Charlotte and the outer banks.