Genesis Bordner for Horry County Council, District 5
“I’m not here to play politics — I’m here to be the pain in the ass that ordinary people deserve on their side.”
~Paid for by your neighbors, not big real estate.~
I’ve lived the struggles too many families face. Born to a teenage mother and an addicted father, I grew up depending on social services. As a teen, I was homeless, working and sleeping in my car while fighting for my education. I earned three degrees and built a new life, but like so many others, I’m burdened with student debt that never seems to goes away or even get smaller.
Three years ago, I became “Mommy” to a young child who needed stability and love after being born into the chaos of addiction. And yet, even with all my hard work, I can’t afford the cost of adopting him.
That’s not just my story — it’s a reflection of a broken system. I’m running because I know what it’s like to be left behind, and I refuse to let Horry families be ignored any longer.
Doctors for Horry - The Problem
Doctor Shortage in Horry County (and South Carolina)
~ Statewide doctor deficit projection: By 2030, South Carolina is forecasted to face a shortage of approximately 3,230 doctors, including 815 fewer primary care physicians Horry County Government+15Cicero Institute+15https://www.wmbfnews.com+15.
~ Shortage area designations: 41 out of South Carolina’s 46 counties are designated as Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs), which indicates critically low provider-to-patient ratios Cicero Institute+1.
~Physician-to-patient ratio: The physician-to-patient ratio in South Carolina is about 23% worse than the national average, placing considerable strain on healthcare access Wikipedia+6Cicero Institute+6Myrtle Beach Online+6.
~ Horry County doctor availability: A 2016 study noted there were 24.9 physicians per 10,000 residents in Horry County — a figure that struggles to keep pace with growth and rising demand Myrtle Beach Online.
~ Population growth pressure: With over 100,000 new residents expected in the coming years, healthcare infrastructure is under further pressure to expand physician coverage just to keep up https://www.wmbfnews.com+2Myrtle Beach Online+2.
Retiree & Aging Population in Horry County
Median age vs. state and national: Horry County’s median age is approximately 49.3, notably higher than both South Carolina’s median (40.5) and the national figure (39.2) Horry County Government+4Census Reporter+4horrydemocrats.org+4.
Senior population share: Around 27.3% of the county’s residents are aged 65 or older, reflecting a significant retiree segment Census Data.
55-and-over demographic: Seniors aged 55+ make up an estimated 37% of Horry County’s population, compared to about 29% statewide and 27% nationally horrydemocrats.org.
Retirement destination: The area continues to be a popular retirement destination, especially for Northeast retirees drawn by the mild climate, cost of living, and recreational amenities Niche.
Summary: What This Means
Horry County, like much of South Carolina, faces a deepening doctor shortage—especially in primary care—that is exacerbated by both population growth and an aging demographic.
The substantial and growing retiree population amplifies demands on healthcare services, increasing urgency for recruiting and retaining medical professionals in the area.
These stats underscore the critical nature of your campaign’s focus on attracting doctors and bolstering healthcare access across the community.
Doctors for Horry - the Solution
How Horry County Can Attract More Doctors
Student Debt Relief Partnerships: Advocate for county and state programs that help repay medical school loans for doctors who commit to practicing here. With the average med school graduate carrying over $200,000 in student debt, financial incentives are a powerful recruitment tool.
Competitive Compensation & Incentives: Work with local hospitals and clinics to offer signing bonuses, housing stipends, or tax credits for physicians who relocate to Horry County, ensuring we stay competitive with other fast-growing regions.
Stronger Schools, Stronger Families: Physicians are more likely to put down roots where their children can thrive. By investing in quality public schools and safe neighborhoods, we make Horry not just a workplace, but a home for medical families.
A Supportive Practice Environment: Cut red tape and push back against government overreach in healthcare. Doctors want the freedom to practice medicine in the best interest of their patients — especially in sensitive areas like women’s health.
Cultural & Lifestyle Appeal: Promote the natural beauty of our beaches and wildlife, expand cultural experiences, and strengthen community life. Doctors and their families are drawn to vibrant, welcoming communities that offer more than just work.
Retention Through Respect: Build county-level advisory groups where medical professionals help shape local health policy. When doctors feel valued and heard, they stay longer and become invested community members.