ABSTRACT
This chapter analyzes the websites of two kinds of Canadian health service providers that target very different populations: people who use illicit drugs and seek harm reduction services; and people who go abroad for private medical care. It provides a brief introduction to medical tourism, harm reduction, and the self-care deficit nursing theory. Illicit drug users who access harm reduction services tend to be socially and economically marginalized, experience high levels of comorbidity, and often have needs that are difficult to meet in traditional health care settings. Statements articulating the core concept of self-care were found on many of the harm reduction service providers (HRSP) websites, framing harm reduction measures as simple, pragmatic approaches to meeting an existing need for safer drug use practices. The goal of empowering drug users to improve their own health was stated explicitly, with the means to personal empowerment most commonly being tied closely to education, particularly regarding risk awareness.
